Overview

• McCarthy has been cleared as the starting quarterback after rehabbing a knee injury that required two surgeries and cost him the 2024 season.
• The Vikings have named Sam Howell as the current backup and will use training camp to evaluate whether he can provide reliable support.
• Minnesota’s front office is considering experienced passers such as Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz as contingency plans behind McCarthy.
• Sam Darnold’s mentorship, including helmet-mounted virtual reality film sessions, accelerated McCarthy’s grasp of the offense during his rookie preparation.
• Wide receiver Jordan Addison faces a July 15 trial and could be suspended for up to three games following a DUI citation.