The Minnesota Vikings will operate with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center in Sunday’s Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
McCarthy missed Sunday’s Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a concussion in Week 12. He’s since cleared the NFL‘s concussion protocol and is in line to return to the starting lineup against the Commanders on Sunday.
With McCarthy out in Week 13, undrafted rookie QB Max Brosmer got his first career start for the Vikings. He was unable to deliver as the Vikings’ QB1, throwing four interceptions in the team’s 26-0 loss to Seattle.
2022 third-round draft pick Desmond Ridder served as the Vikings’ backup in Week 13. But when McCarthy was cleared to return to action, Minnesota released him from the practice squad.
On Saturday, the Vikings announced a new quarterback signing: John Wolford.
“The #Vikings have signed QB John Wolford to the active roster,” the team wrote on X.
Cornerback Dwight McGlothern and defensive lineman Taki Taimani were also elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s Week 14 matchup against the Commanders.
Running back Ty Chandler was downgraded to out.
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Wolford, 30, entered the league as an undrafted rookie for the New York Jets in 2018. The former Wake Forest quarterback appeared in seven games for the Los Angeles Rams from 2020-22, completing 58.7% of his pass attempts for 626 yards, one touchdowns and five interceptions. He was 2-2 as a starter over that span.
Wolford most recently spent time on and off the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad/active roster in 2024.
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The Vikings have some serious question marks at the quarterback position. Minnesota brought in veteran QB option Carson Wentz before the start of the 2025 season, but he’s since landed on the season-ending injured reserve.
McCarthy has struggled in his first season as a starter, throwing two interceptions in each of his last three games. The Vikings are 4-8 on the season, losing each of their last four games.
Sunday’s Week 14 matchup against the Commanders will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.