J.J. McCarthy’s time with the Minnesota Vikings looks like it’s reaching a dramatic close, with analyst Tyler Forness pulling no punches: he expects McCarthy to be out of Minnesota by Sunday’s 3 p.m. cut deadline. This isn’t just locker room chatter, either; Forness’s read on The Real Forno Show is blunt, hinting at either a trade or waivers for the quarterback.
McCarthy’s Ankle, Confidence, and The Blame Game
The biggest question hanging over Friday’s preseason finale in Denver is whether McCarthy will even suit up. He missed Wednesday’s practice to let a deltoid ankle sprain settle, and Forness thinks if he *does* play coming off an injury, it’s “another stronger signal that he’s done in Minnesota.” This whole mess, according to Forness, is a blame pie split right down the middle, with both the coaching staff, including head coach Kevin O’Connell, and McCarthy himself sharing responsibility.
It sounds like more than just a physical setback, too. Forness points out that McCarthy really “needs to prove to himself that he can be that guy again,” stating he’s “lost that confidence.” Remember that Raiders tape from two years ago? That’s the standard he needs to get back to. Injuries, a slump, and “too many voices in his ear” , O’Connell, the QB coach, Wes Phillips , are the wreckage. Oh, and Grant Udinski’s exit? Forness says it’s “worth considering at a high level.” It’s a heavy situation, and the outcome will tell us if his next stop is a “Darnold renaissance or flameout” , something our guy Sam Darnold knows a thing or two about. Forness is eyeing potential landing spots like the Jets, Dolphins, Chargers (and Jim Harbaugh!), Cowboys, and Cardinals.
Brosmer’s Big Shot and Roster Fights
While McCarthy’s drama unfolds, undrafted QB Max Brosmer is stepping into the spotlight. Last year, he clawed his way to QB3 over Brett Rypien, only to get “thrown into real games he shouldn’t have had to play.” Now, he might play almost the entire night in Denver. Forness wants to see the “Max Brosmer of last preseason” with “anticipation, middle-of-the-field answers, no telegraphed picks,” but also wants him to “take a little bit of a step forward.” The stakes? Brosmer only makes the roster if McCarthy’s gone. Otherwise, he’s fighting for a practice-squad spot.
Beyond the QB room, there are other battles heating up. The RB3 spot is a showdown between Demond Claiborne and Zavier Scott. Claiborne needs to prove his speed translates to a “football context,” while Scott has to show he can block and contribute on special teams. Over at WR6, Dillon Bell and Dontae Fleming are scrapping for a spot, especially with Jeshaun Jones suspended.
Everything comes to a head Friday at 8 p.m. CT in Denver. The Vikings’ quarterback room, and several other key roster spots, are on the line. This isn’t just another exhibition game; for some guys, it’s literally their last shot. Get ready for some fireworks, Seattle, because the early NFL season drama is already cranked to eleven.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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