McCarthy Returns for Vikings in 13-Play Outing

J.J. McCarthy returns from a yearlong knee injury with a 13-play appearance that helped the Vikings beat the Texans 20-10.

McCarthy returns in 13-play stint boosts Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS -- J.J. McCarthy returned from a yearlong knee injury with a 13-play stint that helped the Vikings beat the Texans 20-10. He completed his first three passes, all to Jordan Addison, and helped Minnesota open with a field goal before coach Kevin O'Connell pulled him after the first series. McCarthy finished 4 of 7 for 30 yards and added an 8-yard scramble for a first down.

The moment signals more than a single drive. It shows the team is willing to test McCarthy's readiness while preserving the roster for the regular season. Facing a blitz-heavy defense during practice, he spoke about timing and patience, and he acknowledged there is room to grow. The Vikings balanced a cautious ramp with a clear message: McCarthy is part of their future, not a one-off stunt. As they plan the next steps before the Sept. 8 opener, the challenge will be translating this controlled return into consistent play in real games.

Highlights

The road back continues as the season approaches.