Overview

• The Vikings confirmed McCarthy, a 10th overall pick in 2024 who missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus, as the team’s starting quarterback.
• He reported to the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Sunday, marking his first on-field participation since declaring himself over the knee injury in March.
• Minnesota entered camp naming Sam Howell as QB2 and declined to add a veteran backup, betting on McCarthy’s rookie deal to ease upcoming salary cap constraints.
• Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s extensive one-on-one sessions during McCarthy’s rehab year were aimed at accelerating his understanding of the offense.
• A report from The Athletic revealed that the Chicago Bears nearly used the 2024 No. 1 overall pick to select McCarthy before taking Caleb Williams.