Vikings sign new QB, signaling bad J.J. McCarthy injury news and future outlook

Billy Heyen

Vikings sign new QB, signaling bad J.J. McCarthy injury news and future outlook image

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to solve the quarterback position, both in the near term and long term.

On Thursday, the focus was on this week. The Vikings might need a different QB for Week 13. J.J. McCarthy is in concussion protocol.

If McCarthy misses the matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota will start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

They would then likely promote practice squad QB John Wolford to be McCarthy's backup.

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But the Vikings have added another quarterback to their roster on Thursday.

According to multiple reports, the Vikings have signed Desmond Ridder to the practice squad. Adding another quarterback doesn't seem like good news for McCarthy's health for this week.

Ridder has had a fascinating NFL career already. He was a third-round pick of the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati.

He started four games in his rookie year, then another 13 in year two, putting up an 8-9 record as the Falcons' starter. But they got rid of him anyway.

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Ridder made one start in 2024, losing a game for the Raiders.

He has since been a practice squad candidate as multiple teams have kicked around the idea of Ridder.

He has 16 NFL TD passes compared to 14 interceptions and also has some mobility.

Ridder is still just 26 years old. Maybe he's set to be the latest Kevin O'Connell reclamation project.

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Contributing Writer