Overview

• J.J. McCarthy arrives at training camp fully recovered from his rookie-year knee injury and is locked in as the Week 1 starter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
• Coach Kevin O’Connell’s history of maximizing NFL quarterbacks in a dynamic offense bolsters confidence in McCarthy’s rapid progression.
• Analysts at ESPN credit McCarthy’s year of intensive rehab with sharpening him mentally and physically, potentially limiting typical rookie errors.
• Sam Howell, entering his fourth NFL season, holds the backup quarterback role as the team’s clear No. 2 option.
• If McCarthy falters or sustains setbacks, Minnesota could seek veteran insurance by targeting Kirk Cousins or Joe Flacco.