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22h ago

Vikings to Play J.J. McCarthy in Preseason Opener Against Texans

O’Connell will lean on joint practices with the Patriots to evaluate McCarthy’s recovery from a season-ending knee injury.

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes part in drills during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy will see game action Saturday against the Texans, marking his first snaps since a preseason knee injury ended his rookie season.
  • The 10th overall pick in 2024, McCarthy has taken every first-team snap in training camp and leads the quarterback depth chart.
  • His performance in padded practices has been mixed, featuring both big-play throws and interceptions under pressure.
  • He is unlikely to play in the second preseason game against the Patriots, with joint practices on Aug. 13-14 slated as his primary live evaluation.
  • Backups Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and rookie Max Brosmer are expected to carry the bulk of snaps in exhibition games to manage McCarthy’s workload.