Overview

• Kevin O’Connell announced that McCarthy will not play in Saturday’s preseason finale against New England and that Sam Howell will start under center.
• McCarthy dazzled in joint sessions with the Patriots, completing nearly every pass and throwing multiple touchdowns during red-zone and full-field drills.
• The team framed the decision as a vote of confidence, prioritizing McCarthy’s long-term health and readiness for Week 1 at Chicago.
• Howell, acquired from the Seahawks in April, assumed the primary veteran backup role after leading the Vikings’ preseason opener in snaps and production.
• Coaches stressed that this step is part of a broader development plan under O’Connell designed to balance valuable reps with minimizing re-injury risk.