"We haven't made his job easier around him": Aaron Jones points finger at Vikings teammates over J.J. McCarthy's struggles

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has the support of his teammates despite failing to live up to the expectations this season. Running back Aaron Jones addressed the media ahead on Wednesday and defended him.

"He's competed very hard in the first six games," Jones said. "We haven't made his job easier around him. I always say it's our job, all 10 others, to make his job easier. If a play presents itself, we can't make a play. And not everybody, including myself, has done that to make his job easier, but I always tell him, I'd lift his head up and tell him, I'm proud of him."

McCarthy threw 12 completions of 19 passes for 87 yards and two interceptions in the 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The Vikings (4-7) are 2-4 with the former first-round pick as the QB1, and are on a three-game losing streak.

The former Michigan Wolverines star has a 54.1% completion rate and has thrown for 929 yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in six starts. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn right meniscus. He also suffered a right ankle sprain in Week 2 that kept him out for five games.

McCarthy led the team to a win over the Detroit Lions upon his return but has failed to deliver in the last three games.

Doubts raised about J.J. McCarthy's tenure with Vikings following latest injury

J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL's concussion protocol following the team's 23-6 loss to the Packers on Sunday. The Vikings quarterback reported concussion symptoms while traveling home and underwent evaluation on Monday.

Former two-time Super Bowl winner Booger McFarland weighed in on McCarthy's situation. He expressed doubts on whether Minnesota will stick with him following a stretch of underwhelming performances.

"Nothing about this season smells right for JJ lot of mysterious injuries... especially after he stinks the joint up on the field," McFarland tweeted on Wednesday.

Booger

@ESPNBooger

Nothing about this season smells right for JJ lot of mysterious injuries ….. especially after he stinks the joint up on the field

McCarthy was on his back for a few seconds after Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie tackled him with nearly five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Although McCarthy has not been ruled out, he is not expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will likely start in McCarthy's absence.