Misconceptions continue to cling to Jim McMahon the way tape sticks to ankles. Because he was replaced by Sean Salisbury in the last two Vikings games against Tampa Bay and San Francisco, the assumption was he was either battered or benched.
Neither is true, according to the Vikings, who were baffled when national publications and networks publicized or inquired about McMahon’s apparent demise. After all, the quarterback with a history of injury wasn’t supposed to have a future.
As it turns out, McMahon is one of only 11 quarterbacks who haven’t been knocked out of a game by injury or ineffectiveness. Five games into the season, that means he already has beaten the odds.
Against Tampa Bay two weeks ago, McMahon came out midway through the fourth quarter with the Vikings ahead 15-0. He had been sacked the previous two plays and coach Dennis Green only wanted to preserve him. Against San Francisco two games ago, McMahon was removed with about two minutes left after the 49ers had run the score to 38-10. His knee was sore, but he could have finished.
So McMahon faces the Bears Monday night intact, fulfilling his goal of returning to Soldier Field under his own power.