Rookie QB Max Brosmer to start as Vikings visit Sam Darnold, Seahawks
Thu Nov 27 9:52am ET
Field Level Media
The Seattle Seahawks will be facing what amounts to a rookie quarterback when they play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Minnesota is all too familiar with the quarterback at the controls of the Seahawks' offense.
J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024 who missed all of last season after surgery for a torn meniscus on his knee and several weeks earlier in this campaign with a high ankle sprain, was placed in the concussion protocol following last Sunday's 23-6 loss at Green Bay.
With veteran backup Carson Wentz on injured reserve after shoulder surgery, that means the Vikings (4-7) might have to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
McCarthy was cleared to take part in individual drills in midweek practices but not work out with the full team, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said.
"As far as a zero hour, I don't necessarily know if we're looking at it like that," O'Connell said. "But you do want to take into account what has (McCarthy's) preparation been like, what has the practice week been like with what he's able to do, while also knowing that ultimately this is not a hand or an ankle or anything like that. We're talking about his head."
Brosmer has attempted eight NFL passes since completing his collegiate career at Minnesota after being a graduate transfer from New Hampshire of the Football Championship Subdivision.
"We have nothing but confidence in him and what he can do as a player," Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said, "and it'll be a good opportunity for all of us."
Brosmer might be playing behind a rag-tag offensive line. The Vikings had their full complement of starters for the first time all season at Green Bay before left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) and left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) left with injuries. Darrisaw is listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, while Jackson has been ruled out.
The Seahawks (8-3) are coming off a 30-24 victory at Tennessee in which they built a 20-point lead in the third quarter and coasted from there.
Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks in the offseason after resurrecting his career in Minnesota last year, completed 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Both TDs went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had eight catches for a season-high 167 yards.
Smith-Njibga leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,313 and already has eclipsed the franchise record. With six games remaining, he could become the NFL's first 2,000-yard receiver.
"It means a lot," Smith-Njigba said of the team record. "This is a great organization, and great receivers have come through here. Honestly, I look at it as a team award, because, without Sam (Darnold), without the protection, without (fellow wideouts) Sheed (Rashid Shaheed) and Coop (Cooper Kupp), this doesn't happen."
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who missed last week's game with a knee injury, was a full participant in practice this week, while running back George Holani (hamstring), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle) and safety Ty Okada (oblique) sat out. Holani has been ruled out, Okada questionable, while Jones and Nwosu have no injury designations on the final report.
With Jones, the Seahawks' defensive play-caller, sidelined, Patrick O'Connell was promoted from the practice squad and made a career-high nine tackles with a sack.
"Whoever it is, whatever number it is, whatever guy it is, when they are being called on and it's their time to go, they've been ready," Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas said. "So, credit to the guys that we have and the leadership really to get everybody ready to go for their moment."
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The Paur Report
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com, Adams said his left hamstring is "feeling good" and feels much better than he expected. As the Rams continue to prepare for Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals, it was refreshing to see Adams get on the field in some capacity after he missed practice on Wednesday. Ideally, he'll log a full practice on Friday and enter the weekend without an injury designation. However, if that doesn't happen, he's at least trending in the right direction. The veteran receiver has been dominant lately, extending his touchdown streak to six games last Sunday against the Panthers. During that six-game window, he has 293 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he ranks as the overall WR3 in PPR leagues. Assuming he plays this week, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 and should be started in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (chest) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Dortch apparently suffered a chest injury in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is firmly in danger of missing the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. In addition to Dortch, Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) looks iffy to play this weekend as well, which would leave Michael Wilson as the target hog once again in Arizona's passing game. Xavier Weaver and Andre Baccellia would be included in the starting lineup if both Dortch and Harrison are ruled out. Dortch is extremely hard to trust when he's the WR3 for the Cardinals, but he did deliver fantasy-relevant numbers in the two games that Harrison missed after having an appendectomy in Weeks 11 and 12, catching 12 of 15 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant with a hamstring injury, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Bryant was fully healthy on Wednesday, so this means that the 22-year-old likely suffered an injury in practice on Thursday. It's definitely something to watch for fantasy managers as the Broncos head into a rematch against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on the road this Sunday. Bryant has become much more involved in the offense in the last five games, and he had eight catches on 13 targets for 124 yards in the last two contests. In his first 12 NFL games, Bryant has recorded an 18-273-1 line as the WR3 for the Broncos behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. If Bryant is unable to play in Week 14, Franklin would become a much more attractive WR4/flex play in fantasy, with Marvin Mims Jr. also becoming a more attractive big-play threat in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has completely taken over the starting tight end role since the bye week. In back-to-back games, Fannin has played over 90% of the snaps, while veteran David Njoku has played under 50%. The rookie was able to find the endzone in Week 13, totaling 43 yards on four receptions against the San Francisco 49ers. As rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders enters the fold, Fannin has taken charge as the leading receiving option in the offense, leading the team in receptions and targets in back-to-back weeks. The Browns face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. However, with a nice target share and connection with Sanders, Fannin is a TE1 in Week 14.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith (foot) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Smith missed some practice time earlier this week but in on track to play in the Week 14 game. He struggled against the Denver Broncos earlier in the season and has thrown at least two touchdowns in only one of the last four games. Fantasy players should have better options available and can avoid Smith.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders LB Jamal Adams (knee), WR Alex Bachman (thumb), DE Maxx Crosby (knee), TE Michael Mayer (ankle) and WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. OG Jordan Meredith (ankle) and OG Dylan Parham (back) were limited during practice. C Will Putnam (shoulder) and QB Geno Smith (foot) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints OT Taliese Fuaga (ankle), RB Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee), S Justin Reid (knee) and S Jonas Sanker (head) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. WR Chris Olave (back) was limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos TE Nate Adkins (knee), DE Zach Allen (calf) and DT D.J. Jones (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. WR Pat Bryant (hamstring) was limited during practice. LB Jonah Elliss (hamstring) and CB Reese Taylor (chest) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), who was listed as questionable for Week 14 after not practicing all week, is officially active for the Thursday night game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. St. Brown suffered a low-ankle sprain in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers a week ago and was considered to be on the wrong side of questionable to play this week, especially after not practicing at all Monday through Wednesday. The Lions are battling to stay in playoff contention, though, so the 26-year-old wideout will tough it out and play in a plus matchup against a Cowboys defense that allows the third-most passing yards per game (251.5). The risk fantasy managers run by leaving St. Brown in their lineups is that he'll serve as a decoy for Dallas' defense at less than 100%. On the flip side, St. Brown has been a top-five fantasy WR in half-PPR scoring in 2025, so he's probably still a better gamble than a potential replacement, especially in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings OT Christian Darrisaw (knee) and DE Levi Drake Rodriguez (neck) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. LB Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), OG Donovan Jackson (ankle), S Theo Jackson (neck), RB Aaron Jones (shoulder) and S Josh Metellus (shoulder) were limited during practice. T Jonathan Allen (non-injury), OG Blake Brandel (concussion), RB Ty Chandler (knee), DT Javon Hargrave (non-injury), C Ryan Kelly (hip), QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion), DE Jalen Redmond (hip) and S Harrison Smith (non-injury) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
The Dallas Cowboys have declared DT Jay Toia, RB Jaydon Blue, DL Perrion Winfrey, LB Jadeveon Clowney, OT Tyler Guyton and WR Jalen Tolbert inactive for Week 14.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara appears to be on track to miss another game, but fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation over the next few days. Devin Neal will receive another start if Kamara sits out and can be at least a flex option in leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hampton returned to practice last Tuesday for the first time since suffering a fractured ankle back in Week 5, but he was ultimately held out for the team's win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Although the 22-year-old first-rounder was only limited in the first practice of the week, head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that Hampton was tracking towards making his return for a Week 14 Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. Hampton will probably need a full practice on Friday or Saturday to avoid a questionable tag going into Monday's game. The North Carolina product should work up to being L.A.'s primary RB again in time, but in his first game back, he figures to be in more of a timeshare with Kimani Vidal, making him more of an RB3/flex for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
In the first official practice of Week 14, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) was listed as limited on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Herbert had surgery on Monday to fix a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand and had a plate and screws inserted to stabilize the fracture. The 27-year-old plans to play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, and the Chargers' coaching staff is very optimistic he'll be ready. Herbert should be active in Week 14, but he'll be more of a QB2 option for fantasy managers while playing behind a shaky offensive line against a strong Eagles defensive front. If Herbert is active on Monday night, as expected, he's likely to take most, if not all, of the offensive snaps out of the shotgun formation to limit the strain on his injured left hand. That could be an issue near the goal line, and it was announced that backup Trey Lance would be taking the goal-line reps under center this week.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (shoulder) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Jones has been limited for the first two practices of the week but seems to have a good chance to be available for the Week 14 game. He should see a majority of the carries in the running game if he plays and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday before their game against the Dallas Cowboys that they placed tight end Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. In corresponding moves, the team signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and also elevated wide receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. Wright will join Sam LaPorta (back) on IR and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Jan. 4. With both Wright and LaPorta sidelined, Ross Dwelley figures to see the most TE snaps for the Lions, with Anthony Firkser also being involved. Both tight ends are more of blockers than pass-catchers, though, and should be avoided in most fantasy football leagues. In last week's loss to the Packers, Dwelley and Firkser combined for two catches on four targets for just seven yards.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns TE Brenden Bates (ankle), LB Devin Bush (foot), OT Jack Conklin (concussion), DT Adin Huntington (quadriceps), RB Dylan Sampson (calf) and OG Wyatt Teller (calf) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. CB Tyson Campbell (hip), DT Mason Graham (ribs), DT Michael Hall Jr. (knee), DE Isaiah McGuire (knee), TE David Njoku (knee), LB Carson Schwesinger (ankle), DE Alex Wright (quadriceps) and QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) were limited during practice. OG Joel Bitonio (non-injury), S Rayshawn Jenkins (knee) and CB Denzel Ward (hip) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) is getting healthier following a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. Godwin returned from his fibula injury in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams to catch two of his four targets for just nine yards. The 29-year-old saw the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and caught three of five targets for a season-high 78 yards. He was still limited with his leg injury in Wednesday's practice, but he upgraded to a full practice on Thursday and should continue to see his role grow as he heads into the Week 14 divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin has WR3/flex appeal for fantasy managers in his third game back, although his target share could be negatively affected if Mike Evans (collarbone) comes off IR to play for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku has been on the injury report for several weeks because of the injury but has been able to play. He has been targeted only six times in the last four games and seems to be behind Harold Fannin Jr. on the depth chart. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues this week.
From TheHuddle
