The Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback version of musical chairs will land back with J.J. McCarthy in Week 14.

McCarthy has cleared concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup Sunday against the visiting Washington Commanders. The second-year QB has no game status designation.

“Cut it loose, pull the trigger. You’re prepared,” coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday of his message of McCarthy.

“He understands this game plan, he’s had a really good week of practice, threw the ball really well. I think it’s now a matter of a lot of the principles that we’ve talked about coming into play, and most importantly, his decision-making and giving these guys to make opportunities to make plays on the football.”

McCarthy practiced throughout the week after missing a Week 13 shutout loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Prior to that, McCarthy missed five games this season due to a high ankle sprain.

“He’s had a great week,” O’Connell said, “and I’m excited to watch him play on Sunday.”

A 2024 NFL Draft first-round pick out of Michigan, McCarthy blew out his knee during the preseason of his rookie campaign, forcing him to miss all of his rookie season. He has now missed 23 of a possible 29 games in his brief career.

In the six games he’s played so far this year, McCarthy has struggled, going 2-4 as a starter, completing just 54.1% of his passes for 154.8 yards per game, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

In the time McCarthy has missed in 2025, Carson Wentz, who’s now out for the season with a shoulder injury, started five games. Rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer filled in for McCarthy last week and was simply woeful, throwing four interceptions in his NFL debut.

McCarthy and the Vikings (4-8) will look to salvage some positives in a disappointing campaign Sunday when they kick off against visiting Washington (3-9) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.