The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a future without their second-year quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.

Following a challenging season, McCarthy experienced concussion-like symptoms during the flight back after their defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. In light of this, the team is bolstering its roster to prepare for the possibility that McCarthy might be sidelined for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.

On Thursday, ESPN reported that the Vikings have added Desmond Ridder, a former third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, to their practice squad.

If McCarthy fails to pass the concussion protocol in time for their Week 13 clash in Seattle, Max Brosmer is expected to step up as the starting quarterback.

With previous backup Carson Wentz sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury, the Vikings are now relying on their third-string options to navigate this critical phase of the season.

Ridder has not played this season, although he did appear for the Bengals during the preseason before being cut loose.

The Vikings picked up Ridder in September before being released in October as McCarthy missed time with a high-ankle sprain.

Ridder played for the Raiders last year, appearing in six games (458 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions).

The Raiders did not win any of the games in which he appeared.

It is possible that Ridder gets activated from the practice squad to serve as Brosmer’s backup.

Brosmer played at the University of New Hampshire before transferring to the Golden Gophers.

The undrafted rookie has played very sparingly in the NFL, completing 5-of-8 passes for 42 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

The Vikings are in a bit of a quarterback crisis mode as McCarthy has not developed the way that they had hoped.

McCarthy did not play in his rookie year after suffering a torn meniscus that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Minnesota has since been linked to Daniel Jones, who is having a masterful season for the Colts and is on a one-year deal that could result in a bidding war between the two franchises for his services.