Overview

• J.J. McCarthy will suit up Saturday and log a tightly managed snap count as he takes live reps for the first time since tearing his meniscus.
• The Vikings plan to feature multiple regular-season starters in the opener to assess performance and build momentum ahead of joint practices.
• Justin Jefferson will be mic’d up for the entire third quarter of the Fox broadcast to enhance fan insight into sideline chemistry.
• Sam Howell and Brett Rypien will log significant snaps in a battle for the Vikings’ No. 2 quarterback role, and cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah will make their first live appearances in Minnesota’s revamped secondary.
• Houston’s second-round pick Jayden Higgins will make his preseason debut as the Texans test their rookie wideout against Minnesota’s defense.