Overview

• J.J. McCarthy has fully recovered from his torn meniscus and is taking significant first-team reps with veteran center Ryan Kelly.
• Head coach Kevin O’Connell highlighted McCarthy’s improved size, strength, arm mechanics, and leadership during the offseason program.
• Despite McCarthy’s progress, O’Connell has not officially named him the Week 1 starter, emphasizing an open competition with Sam Howell and Brett Rypien.
• Veterans like T.J. Hockenson and Harrison Phillips praised McCarthy’s work ethic, film study, and leadership during his rehab year.
• Analyst Albert Breer projected McCarthy could achieve stats similar to Deshaun Watson’s second NFL season, though this remains speculative.