Social Media Detectives Uncovered Concerning Footage Of Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Using “Banned” Substance Immediately After Getting Concussed [VIDEO]

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

After a brutal game in Green Bay, Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy has found himself in concussion protocol.

It was a tough game for McCarthy, who was so frightened of the Packers’ defense on one play that he proceeded to sack himself. Not surprisingly, given that the Packers bolster a defense that has improved significantly after trading for Micah Parsons.

The second-year signal caller has an uncertain status heading into Week 13, as head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy would be in concussion protocol this week.

Now, social media users are sure they have found the moment when JJ McCarthy suffered his concussion. Not only that, but instead of heading to the sidelines, he was seen sniffing smelling salts, which are banned by the league.

Here’s the play that the concussion happened for anyone wondering.

This is why the NFL tried to ban smelling salts btw, pretty clearly what he does at the end of the clip. https://t.co/tV6AU4ZuS4 pic.twitter.com/BUKo4xvHLD

— cdott (@jjmccaurathy) November 24, 2025

In August, before the 2025 season, the league informed teams via a memo that it has prohibited the use of ammonia and smelling salts before and during all NFL games, per ESPN.

According to the memo, teams are prohibited from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form.” That includes ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of “smelling salts.”

Will JJ McCarthy Play In Minnesota’s Next Game?

McCarthy has entered the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms on the flight home from Green Bay on Sunday night.

Injuries have marred McCarthy’s career in Minnesota since the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. His entire rookie campaign was lost to a torn meniscus, and he only made two appearances to start the 2025 campaign before a high-ankle sprain cost him five games.

For the Vikings, the concern now is that JJ McCarthy appears to be prone to injuries.

It remains to be seen if he’ll be cleared for the team’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks and former quarterback Sam Darnold on Sunday.