When we last saw Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, he was setting a new personal bar for poor performance. He also emerged from that game with an insertion into concussion protocol, and he missed the shutout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
Starting off the week heading into Week 14 against the Washington Commanders, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell pointed to McCarthy being able to exit concussion protocol and returning to action after missing just one game.
As expected, McCarthy was listed as a full participant for every practice this week, he's cleared the concussion protocol, and he will start against the Commanders on Sunday.
With the playoffs only a pipe dream at 4-8, McCarthy's performance is the No. 1 storyline for the Vikings over the final five games of the season. Barring another injury, he has the opportunity to reset the current narrative heading into the offseason.
Everything is at stake for Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy over the rest of the season
Even if he stays healthy and plays fairly well over the final five games, the Vikings might add a veteran to compete with him for the starting job during the offseason. However, there's a non-zero chance things come together for him in a notable way, and that part of the conversation gets put to bed.
Or, the idea that McCarthy should be outright replaced in 2026 will stick if he doesn't get on a better track.
So it's no surprise ESPN's Bill Barnwell put McCarthy on his recent list of players and coaches with the most at stake over the rest of the season.
After hitting the well-worn notes about McCarthy's lackluster performance and only having six starts on his resume, Barnwell reinforced the clear-cut bottom line.
"If McCarthy returns from his concussion and shows signs of growth over the final month of the season, the Vikings should field competition for their starting job in camp next year.
If he continues to look overmatched upon his return to the lineup, though, the Vikings might move forward with a new plan at quarterback, consigning McCarthy to a backup role after just a handful of pro starts."
McCarthy's struggles to this point have stretched beyond any notion that he simply can't handle the spotlight or inherent pressure to perform. Which is a good thing, because he's now the clear focus for all of Vikings' country as a disappointing season winds down.
One way or the other, the Vikings' quarterback situation will have more future clarity a month from now. The direction it goes is in McCarthy's hands, and how he does will also be a reflection on O'Connell as a developer of quarterbacks.