Jayden Daniels returns for Commanders; Vikings keeping it simple for J.J. McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy is set to return to his starting role this week for the Minnesota Vikings. The Washington Commanders finally have their QB1 back in the fold, too.

McCarthy's coach is trying to simplify things as much as possible for the struggling quarterback.

Minnesota (4-8) will find out whether its "less is more" approach succeeds when it squares off against the Washington Commanders (3-9) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

The matchup offers an opportunity for McCarthy to improve upon a flawed first season as the team's starter. He returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday after missing last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks because he was in the concussion protocol, which he cleared on Thursday.

The Vikings were shut out 26-0 -- the team's first blanking since 2007 -- as undrafted rookie Max Brosmer threw four interceptions in his first start. Now the focus turns back to McCarthy, who has thrown for six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in a half-dozen starts this season.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he is not as focused right now on topics such as improving McCarthy's footwork or refining his throwing motion.

"It's purely about decision-making at this point," O'Connell said. "I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play, but play with an understanding of, ‘The decisions that I make ... have to be of the utmost importance.' Because we learned our turnover number is where it is. It's not a winning formula.

"I don't want him overthinking or worrying about if the fundamentals need to be changed. Let's just make the throws. Let's just throw and catch. Let's just play with great rhythm and understanding of the plan."

Dan Quinn finally celebrated Jayden Daniels' return on Friday. He missed the past three games with a dislocated left elbow -- and participation on Sunday didn't look promising when he wasn't cleared for contact as practice resumed this week. Daniels' return coincides with wide receiver Noah Brown being added to the active roster for the first time this season. Brown is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report, but practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday.

"It's important for him, for his teammates," Quinn said of Daniels returning to game action. "All these (games) matter. As he's developing, there are certain things he has to work on, too, to be as competitive and take care of things."

Veteran Marcus Mariota posted a 1-5 record as a starter this season with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Commanders are coming off a 27-26 loss in overtime against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. The game marked Washington's seventh straight loss, and the team will go for its first victory since Oct. 5 when it kicks off versus the Vikings.

Quinn said one reason for optimism was the improved play of the Commanders' offensive line. He praised right guard Sam Cosmi, in particular, for his development alongside right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

"It might have been Sam's best game, so that was good," Quinn said after reviewing game film. "... It felt like him and Josh have felt more cohesive, and that continuity is helping because now they've been in that rhythm a good bit together."

Washington will be without offensive tackle George Fant (knee) and defensive end Drake Jackson (knee/groin) for Sunday's game. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee) is questionable.

Minnesota offensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez and safety Theo Jackson have been ruled out of Sunday's game with neck injuries. Offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw (knee) and Donovan Jackson (ankle) and running back Ty Chandler (knee) are listed as questionable.

The Vikings have won the past three matchups in the series. Washington is looking for its first win over the Vikings since 2016, and it is looking for its first victory in Minnesota since 2007 -- before the Vikings moved into U.S. Bank Stadium near the site of the old Metrodome.

--Field Level Media