Overview

• McCarthy won the starting role after impressing in spring workouts and completing his recovery from a torn meniscus.
• Kevin O’Connell has instructed McCarthy to favor short and intermediate throws and avoid high-risk attempts in his NFL debut.
• At 22 years old, he is on track to become the youngest quarterback to start an opening-week game this season.
• Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer are slated to back up McCarthy on the depth chart.
• Tight end Giovanni Ricci, added in late June, faces long odds to make the 53-man roster against established targets like T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver and Gavin Bartholomew.