The outside noise will keep getting louder. Jefferson and the Vikings, though, keep betting that this version of McCarthy is just the painful prologue, not the whole story.
Justin Jefferson Refuses to Give Up on JJ McCarthy and Hopes for Quarterback Bounce Back
Posted November 27, 2025
Justin Jefferson has publicly endorsed Vikings teammate and QB JJ McCarthy who has had a rough season so far, claiming he will bounce back.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is not ready to jump off the JJ McCarthy train, no matter how ugly the ride has looked lately.
McCarthy just turned in his roughest outing yet, a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he went 12-of-19 for 87 yards with two interceptions, as the Vikings totaled only six points and fell to 4-7 on the season. Through six starts, the rookie owns 929 passing yards with six touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 24.8 QBR, one of the lowest marks in the league via ESPN.
Still, Jefferson’s tone stays steady via Kevin Seifert of ESPN. “It’s early,” Jefferson said. “He’s new to the game. He’s new to the NFL. He’s learning just like everyone else has to learn as a rookie … I feel like he’s going to bounce back in a different way than everybody else is going to think so.”
Jefferson has every reason to be frustrated. His receiving average has dropped to 53 yards per game in McCarthy’s starts, down more than 40 percent from his career pace. But instead of blasting the quarterback, Jefferson keeps highlighting McCarthy’s arm talent, poise, and day-to-day work.
The Vikings know the numbers are brutal, and the film backs it up. CBS Sports broke down how McCarthy’s hurried footwork and inconsistent base are killing his velocity and accuracy, leading to the turnovers piling up. Minnesota’s staff believes those mechanics can be fixed, not that McCarthy is a lost cause.
For now, the 22-year-old has to watch. McCarthy entered the concussion protocol after the loss at Lambeau Field, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is tracking to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Colts Reveal Concerning News Surrounding Daniel Jones
here were questions regarding the Indianapolis Colts signing quarterback Daniel Jones.
If last time on the field was with the New York Giants after he was released due to some poor performances. He had to beat out former fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson, to win the job.
The former Giant beat our Richardson to be behind the center and needed to prove that he was worth the $14 million price tag the Colts signed him to during the regular season. After 12 weeks, Jones looks like the right pick for the organization.
Indianapolis currently finds themselves with one of the best records in the league at 8-3 in head coach Shane Steichen’s third season in the league.
Jones has been playing at a new level in Indianapolis. The QB is currently has the fourth most passing yards in the league (2,840) and is currently on track to have his career best passing yard season. The QB has four rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the fourth most in the league.
But after Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jones is dealing with a leg injury, which could jeopardize Indy in the postseason.
Daniel Jones On The Injury Report
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Daniel Jones was dealing with an injury ahead of Week 12
Daniel Jones was suffering from an fibula injury before the matchup against the Chiefs in Week 12, as he was a limited participant on the Thursday leading up to the game and was upgraded to a full participant, then playing in the game.
Jones was able to have a decent game for the Colts, throwing for 181 yards and two touchdowns, but it was noticeably clear that his leg was bothering him, likely preventing him from playing at his best.
The Indianapolis Colts dropped their injury report ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans which revealed some concerning news about the quarterback: Jones is now back on the injury report regarding his fibula and was a limited participant.
Shane Steichen has mentioned that even with the injury, Jones should be go to go for the game against Houston, which has the second fewest points per game this season.
Jones has also confirmed that he is good to go for the Week 13 and that is shouldn’t be too much of a deal.
“It was just something that was kind of hanging over and realized it last week,” Jones said, via the Colts. “Just been trying to get treatment and make sure I’m in the best spot I can be… It’s been really good working with the trainers here and making sure we’re ready to go. We got a good plan.”
Colts Need Jones To Stay Healthy
GettyThe Indianapolis Colts have an unproven player as their current backup QB
As mentioned, Daniel Jones has led the Colts to one of the best starts in recent history.
If Jones’ fibula injury were to get worse, they would have to rely on Riley Leonard, the teams current backup QB who was draft in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Anthony Richardson was the backup for the Colts before suffering a fractured orbital bone in a pregame accident and being placed on IR.
The Colts would prefer Richardson to be the backup as he has experience in Steichen and offensive coordinator’s Jim Bob Cooter scheme, but might have to reply on the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Jones has said he is good to go, but once harsh hit happens, it could take a turn for the worse.
