McCarthy Leads Vikings Into Week 1 Prep

J.J. McCarthy returns to game action in the Vikings preseason, guiding a drive that ends in a field goal against the Texans.

J.J. McCarthy Shows Early Command

J.J. McCarthy returned to game action for the Vikings in the preseason opener against the Texans, taking 12 snaps and guiding a drive that ended with a field goal for a 3-0 lead. He completed four of seven passes for 30 yards, with three catches on four targets to Jordan Addison, and added eight rushing yards on a fourth‑and‑four from Houston’s 43.

The performance marks a measured return after missing all of 2024 with a knee injury that occurred in the preseason opener versus the Raiders. Coach Kevin O’Connell praised the display, noting McCarthy’s poise and his ability to run the offense, while the staff limited exposure ahead of a crowded schedule. He said McCarthy showed composure and effective decision‑making, and that the team intended to keep him in a controlled workload before big tune‑ups later in the week. The Vikings now prepare for a Week 1 finale on Monday night at the Bears and will spend the middle of the week practicing with the Patriots ahead of the second preseason game.

This outing is a key data point in Minnesota’s quarterback plan. McCarthy’s quick timing, decision speed, and calm under the headset suggest the team is building a practical offense around him while preserving health. The real test will come in longer drives and against stronger defenses, but the takeaway is clear: the young quarterback can manage the huddle and maintain tempo when the game is still a tune‑up. The Vikings appear to be charting a careful ramp, balancing McCarthy’s development with the needs of a roster that wants to win now.

Yet a single preseason game does not settle a season‑long arc. The knee injury remains a reminder of fragility, and Minnesota will need a clear plan for workload, rest days, and how much of the playbook to unlock before Week 1. How McCarthy handles high‑pressure situations, and how quickly the offense can replicate success with the rest of the starting group, will matter as much as the early numbers suggest.

Highlights

The coming weeks will reveal how the plan translates to real game tempo.