Overview

• The Athletic’s panel of 50 coaches and executives placed McCarthy unanimously in its fourth quarterback tier at No. 29 overall, underscoring leaguewide caution.
• NFL evaluators cite his rebuilt knee and lack of live-game action as durability risks even as they praise his arm talent.
• Aaron Jones compared McCarthy’s football IQ to Aaron Rodgers and lauded his leadership and grasp of the offense.
• McCarthy completed 4-of-7 passes for 30 yards in his first preseason start, adding to local reporters’ positive assessments from training camp.
• The Vikings are treating joint practices with the Patriots and the Week 1 opener at Soldier Field in Chicago as high-leverage tests to validate their starting quarterback decision.