Overview

• Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that McCarthy will sit out Saturday’s preseason game against the Patriots and Sam Howell will start under center.
• In joint practices this week McCarthy completed 14 of 16 passes with five touchdowns in 11-on-11 drills, highlighting his strong comeback from last year’s knee injury.
• Howell, acquired from the Seahawks in April, led the team’s quarterbacks in the opener with 105 yards on 11-of-13 passing and an added rushing touchdown.
• Minnesota is using controlled practice reps and selective preseason action to shield its rookie QB’s surgically repaired knee before the Sept. 8 regular-season opener.
• Backups Brett Rypien and rookie Max Brosmer remain in contention as the Vikings fine-tune their quarterback depth chart.