Then in week 9, fresh off an ankle injury that cost him five more starts, McCarthy went into Ford Field against a good Lions team and took care of business in a way that even Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins were not able since Dan Campbell took over as head coach in Detroit.

Something is different with JJ McCarthy as MN Vikings QB

Just like in his first victory over the Bears, the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick was far from perfect against the Lions. But he was in control, made plays when it mattered most and did enough to walk out with a win. After the game, I raved on X about his control of the offense. It was very evident.

J.J. McCarthy and Jalen Nailor ice it for Minnesota! pic.twitter.com/E5MEgyEn28

— NFL Australia & NZ (@NFLAUNZ) November 2, 2025

He showed the kind of poise and resilience imperative for a franchise quarterback in the NFL, and that is something Vikings fans have waited a long time for. We’ve watched a lot of QBs over the years, just hoping to see an inkling of the poise McCarthy has shown in two of his first three starts under center.

That kind of start doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a young quarterback walks into a new system, learns it quickly, earns the respect of the locker room, and delivers under pressure. That is exactly what JJ McCarthy has done in Minnesota.

JJ McCarthy makes NFL divisional history

The Minnesota Vikings look like they’ve found their guy. And if JJ can continue to beat the division rivals like he has to start his career, then the future is REALLY looking bright.

With Sunday’s win in Detroit, JJ McCarthy joined Patrick Mahomes (2017–18: @ DEN, @ LAC) and Dan Marino (1983: @ BAL, @ NYJ) as the only first-round quarterbacks in NFL history to win two divisional road games in their first three starts. How about that company?

J.J. McCarthy joins Hall of Famer Dan Marino, Patrick Mahomes as only first-round quarterbacks since at least 1970 to win two road divisional games over their first three career startshttps://t.co/o9bvUU6Ls3 pic.twitter.com/UgQrH3xjno

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 3, 2025

Related: Vikings Hosting Star CB on Free Agent Visit

Those aren’t just numbers in a box score. They’re proof that McCarthy’s leadership and preparation are ahead of schedule. If McCarthy can lead the offense in that same manner all season the Vikings might still have a chance this season, even at 4-4, currently sitting at the bottom of the NFC North.

Division wins on the road are SO huge

Winning inside the NFC North is tough. Doing it on the road in hostile stadiums is even tougher. McCarthy’s two early divisional road wins are more than what some young quarterbacks will ever achieve.

Not only that, but now the Lions are under pressure to come into U.S. Bank Stadium and beat the Vikings later this season, in order to avoid a divisional sweep. That matters. Not only do the victories show that McCarthy can win in the elements, handle adversity, and deliver when it counts… but they are matter in the standings too.

We know all to well that the Vikings have seen a carousel of quarterbacks over the past two decades. McCarthy’s early success feels different. His mix of humility, leadership, and quiet swagger is the type of foundation every franchise needs.

Justin Jefferson's one-handed touchdown catch was nice 😯@Visa | @JJettas2 pic.twitter.com/xExBAmyeTu

— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Lineman Trying to Play Again; Safety Enters Concussion Protocol

It’s early, but Vikings fans have good reason to believe that this could finally be the long-term answer under center. Mahomes and Marino both turned early flashes into legendary careers. If McCarthy keeps building like this, the Vikings could have a lot more than just a promising young quarterback.

JJ McCarthy building confidence across Minnesota Vikings roster

The energy around the Vikings just feels different. Players like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson have been visibly fired up after big plays, and it’s not hard to see why. McCarthy’s calm confidence gives the offense life. He’s not forcing throws, but he’s also not afraid to take shots when the coverage allows it.

Veterans are responding to that. You can see it in Jefferson’s body language after every completion with other players on the team. McCarthy is a gamer and he elevates his team with him. When a quarterback as young as JJ can elevate his teammates, it can change a franchise.

Because not only is this team trying to recover from a multi-week business trip to Europe, where most of the team became homesick less than halfway through, but the MN Vikings are doing their best to get healthy too.

Unfortunately, that task is proving much easier spoken than accomplished, especially after Minnesota was devastated by injuries up and down the roster, both before and during their trip overseas. But entering a new week, all eyes are on the Vikings’ QB room.

After Carson Wentz injured his left shoulder during Minnesota’s week 5 win in London against the Browns, the Vikings are down to just one healthy QB. Thankfully, JJ McCarthy is expected to return to practice this week, something NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed in a report at NFL Network Sunday morning.

Pelissero: Minnesota Vikings QB situation “murky, to say the least”

That means former Gopher Max Brosmer won’t have to play quarterback for both the Vikings’ first and second team offenses at practices this week. Unfortunately, that was where Tom’s good news ended.

From there, Pelissero reported that neither Wentz or McCarthy are healthy, entering week 7, and that Minnesota’s QB situation vs the Eagles remains “murky, to say the least”.

This morning, @TomPelissero reports that JJ McCarthy's ankle is not 100% yet and that the QB situation entering week 7 is "murky, to say the least"… 👀😵‍💫

"The Vikings quarterback situation is murky, to say the least… He should be able to return to practice this week, but… pic.twitter.com/UHnoyxpDqL

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 12, 2025

“The Vikings quarterback situation is murky, to say the least. JJ McCarthy, I’m told, got good work during the bye week. He should be able to return to practice this week, but McCarthy still is not 100% on that ankle.

They’ve got to see his mobility, they’ve got to see how the ankle responds. And they gotta make sure he is comfortable and in a groove, from an operational perspective, before they put him back out on the field.

Meanwhile, his backup Carson Wentz, dealing with a left shoulder injury, he could be limited in practice this week. A lot to sort through, to figure out who’s going to be on the field next week against the Eagles.”

Tom Pelissero – NFL Network (Sunday, October 12, 2025)

Of course, IF the MN Vikings’ top two quarterbacks cannot get healthy enough to take the field seven days from today, then it will be one-and-done Minnesota Golden Gopher Max Brosmer, who’d be called into action at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday against the Eagles.

Max Brosmer SZN incoming…?

If Wentz isn’t doing team drills to start the week, I’d imagine Brosmer will, at the least, get QB1 reps at practice. In his first NFL season, the hometown undrafted rookie free agent has taken snaps in two games and he’s been active in four games total.

With those opportunities, Brosmer has thrown four passes, all of which came late in the Vikings’ blowout win week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed 2 of those 4 attempts, good for 29 passing yards and a 74.0 QB Rating.

Max Brosmer looked extremely comfortable and accurate attacking between the hashes yesterday. Don’t think you can say that about the majority of undrafted QBs. pic.twitter.com/XlglGGsAnd

— Tanner Weber (@Purple_Post) August 10, 2025

Related: Game Moving Too Fast for MN Vikings QB?

Brosmer also took one snap in London against the Cleveland Browns, a kneel-down that came with time expiring in the second quarter, after Carson Wentz exited to the locker room with the left shoulder injury that will limit him at Minnesota Vikings practice this week.

If Max is forced into action next weekend, Vikings fans shouldn’t be all that concerned about an offensive fallout. The line in front of whoever plays QB vs Philly, is expected to be healthier than it has been pretty much all season, and Max Brosmer’s biggest strengths are pre-snap processing and going through progressions quickly.

Titans show single-high, rotate post-snap to cover 2

Max Brosmer spots the rotation right away, speeds up his dropback and delivers a dart on the money for the hole shot to Fleming

This is high end QB play pic.twitter.com/p1bVhkI1K6

— Krauser (@Krauserrific) August 23, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Have Told Max Brosmer to Back Off

Coincidentally, those are the exact traits head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings offense needs more of, from their quarterback. And the Minnesota coaching staff is high on Brosmer for a reason. Should he get his first real NFL shot on Sunday, I expect him to take advantage of it.

There’s only so much you can take from an exhibition game where half of both teams’ starters didn’t play, and the 1st stringers who did were only on the field for one, maybe two drives. Nonetheless, we learned a little bit about the Vikings’ quarterback room from top to bottom.

Starter JJ McCarthy got just one drive, but he was able to throw in multiple third down situations and extend a drive with his legs on fourth down. He went 4-of-7 for 30 yards. While his accuracy was a bit off the entire drive and he missed one ‘gotta have it’ throw on 3rd down, the redshirt rookie had a pretty good day overall.

Kevin O’Connell elated with JJ McCarthy’s preseason return

He appeared calm and in control for the entirety of his only drive. McCarthy made good reads and went through his progressions on time. Overall, MN Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell came away impressed and gushed over his new QB1 after the game.

"There is a level of composure and poise to how he ran the show that was exactly what I was looking for" -Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on @jjmccarthy09 today pic.twitter.com/bbKfNjap6g

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

“I love the fact that we were able to execute and hit an explosive in the play-pass game; I love the fact that we converted some third downs; I love the fact that on fourth down he used his legs to steal [a first down].

I think there’s just a level of composure and poise to how he ran the show that was exactly what I was looking for, and now we go back to work. It’s obviously a checkpoint for our whole team. But [for] JJ — we got our first chance since last year [to have the] headset, communication in real time, play clock, all of us coaches on the sideline, him running the show — and I thought he did a really nice job with that.”

Kevin O’Connell on JJ McCarthy’s 2025 preseason debut

In the final seconds of the above clip, O’Connell goes on to talk about how he, much like everyone watching yesterday at U.S. Bank Stadium or on TV, wanted to see JJ McCarthy play more vs the Houston Texans.

Unfortunately, with joint practices scheduled this week against the New England Patriots, Minnesota’s head coach did not want to keep other Vikings starters in the game more than one drive. And logically, once the rest of the first team exited, it made little sense to keep the future of the organization in.

Leadership of new Minnesota Vikings QB1 apparent on U.S. Bank Stadium sideline

While Minnesota’s head coach was ecstatic over how McCarthy played while operating the Vikings’ first team offense, it was how JJ lead from the sideline, after taking his pads off for the day. In the year-plus since JJ McCarthy was drafted, we’ve seen and heard about his high-level leadership skills repeatedly.

Thus, it was no surprise when the 22-year-old former Michigan Wolverine could be seen jumping into teammates and running to congratulate former Gopher Max Brosmer, when he threw his first ever NFL touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy was HYPED to see Max Brosmer throw his first NFL TD yesterday. pic.twitter.com/7uKcqED16F

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 10, 2025

Related: MN Vikings New Veteran Carted Off With Injury

Brosmer had arguably the most impressive afternoon of all Vikings quarterbacks, completing 5-of-8 passes for 47 yards, one touchdown and a 118.2 QB Rating, the highest of any of the four Minnesota quarterbacks. Sam Howell had a good night too, going 11-of-13 for 105 yards and a 100.3 QB Rating.

Both guys, on paper, played much better than JJ McCarthy, whose lone drive with the starters produced just three of the Vikings’ 20 points in the game. His 67.6 QB rating fell far short of Howell and Brosmer’s too.

But as you can see above, once he came out of Saturday’s contest vs Houston, JJ’s performance compared to his QB teammates could not have been further from the front of his mind. Instead, it appeared McCarthy was just as happy to see other Vikings quarterback succeed, as he would have been had he thrown the touchdowns.

McCarthy is a true leader, who knows how much pressure his backup quarterbacks have been under during training camp, as questions swirl around whether or not Minnesota needs a more reliable option in case something should happen to the future of their former top pick and franchise QB.

JJ McCarthy talks about on his support for MN Vikings QBs

After the exhibition contest, JJ McCarthy spoke with reporters gathered at U.S. Bank Stadium. After going over his drive and the emotions that overcame him beforehand, after a year of recovery from meniscus surgery, McCarthy was asked about the excitement he felt while watching both Brosmer and Howell ball out.

J.J. McCarthy on his excitement for his teammates after today's preseason game pic.twitter.com/In5P9XJTWl

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

“Man, I was just so happy for my guys. Seeing them get in there, everyone’s fighting for a job. We’ve got a 90-man roster and there’s many guys that should be on this team. So I was just so thrilled to see Sam, Ryp, Max do their thing out there and the rest of the crew…I’m just so happy to be a Viking, so happy to be a part of this organization and [ready] to move forward with this special group.”

JJ McCarthy on pulling for his teammates during Texans win

Related: What We Learned About the MN Vikings’ QB Situation vs Texans

While JJ McCarthy’s physical performance on the field Saturday probably warrants a B grade, at best, everything else he displayed to fans, coaches and media members gets a hard A+.

From afar, McCarthy looked poised and in control of his surroundings. O’Connell’s comments after the game confirmed as much. And no matter how he plays or how he is feeling about his own game, we are quickly learning that one thing we can always count on JJ’s intangibles.

At just 22, McCarthy seems to already have mastered the qualities and subtleties of QB leadership (preparation, QB1 demeanor) that are much more difficult to learn at the NFL level. Thus, if JJ can develop over the next few years to become a more accurate and efficient passer, the young Minnesota Vikings quarterback has a chance to be great.

Well, on one side of the ball anyway. Most of the top defensive players sat out, but nearly all of the Vikings starting offense — minus Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw and Aaron Jones — was on the field for Minnesota’s first drive of the game, including redshirt rookie QB, JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy has up and down drive vs Texans

Those available for the Vikings’ offense even included a few Vikings who have been nursing training camp injuries — Will Fries, Ryan Kelly and TJ Hockenson. The result of that initial offensive drive, which lasted 13 plays, 6:03 minutes and went for 58 yards, ended in 3 points for the Vikings thanks to a Will Reichard 48-yard field goal.

It was far from perfect but, overall, McCarthy operated efficiently and made a couple of big plays, including one 4th down scramble for a first down and another 18 yard throw with lots of anticipation to Jordan Addison, who caught three of JJ’s passes, in total.

When McCarthy’s 2025 preseason debut came to an end, he was 4-of-7 for 30 yards passing, to go along with his 10 yard 4th down scramble. Interestingly, most of his success came when he used play action from under center. Out of the shotgun, JJ was just 1 of 3 for 10 yards.

Of note today in Vikings vs Texans:

— JJ McCarthy under center w/PA: 3 of 4 for 20 yards

— JJ McCarthy shotgun w/o PA: 1 of 3 for 10 yards pic.twitter.com/Z5pdFXw0pd

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2025

He did have one missed opportunity that stands out. It came on 3rd down, just before his aforementioned scramble. McCarthy had WR Lucky Jackson breaking free about 15 yards down the field on an in-breaking route.

The 22-year-old went through his progressions beautifully, had good protection, made the right read, threw with anticipation (again)… but just missed the throw high and out front. These are the throws in the regular season that JJ McCarthy needs to hit on 98% of the time.

JJ McCarthy is a bust. Sam Howell would be a better starter for the Vikings pic.twitter.com/NJV6lz8Gg3

— diego… (@d1ego777_) August 9, 2025

Sam Howell bounces back after tough start to MN Vikings camp

The next man up, after McCarthy’s one-and-done drive was 24-year-old veteran, Sam Howell, who the Minnesota Vikings traded for during the NFL Draft. It was a big day for Howell, after he struggled mightily to start training camp.

But after struggling to operate the offense in practice, Howell looked like a QB who was poised and under control against the Houston Texans, methodically moving the ball down the field on multiple drives.

When the dust settled on Howell’s day, following about two quarters of play, he was 11-of-13 for 105 yards with 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 100.3 QB rating.

Sam Howell had one hell of a day in his MN Vikings preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/OSLpeC9Y9c

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 10, 2025

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

The former UNC standout, who comes into the 2025 season with 18 NFL starts under his belt, ran the offense efficiently and effectively, getting through his progressions and delivering footballs with accurately.

Max Brosmer balls out in his Minnesota Vikings debut

As mentioned, Howell is only 24 years old, which happens to be the same age as former Minnesota Gophers QB, Max Brosmer, whose showing this afternoon may have been even more impressive than his new teammate’s

Much like he did during his only collegiate season in Dinkytown, Brosmer looked calm, cool and collected in the pocket on Saturday, quickly rifling through reads before making on-time and on target throws, or tucking it down to take off.

He attempted only 8 passes on the day, completing 5 of them, including some notable ones, including two on the same drive to Myles Price, one of which was a TD. Brosmer ended his day with 47 yards passing and that beautiful touchdown pass we just mentioned.

Nice Max Brosmer throw to Myles Price, who has impressed in training camp pic.twitter.com/jhdgcpdi6s

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 9, 2025

B1G Connection @maxtbro @Myles_price3

📺: @FOX9 | @NFLNetwork
📻: @KFAN1003 pic.twitter.com/Au4atULnVg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

After Sam Howell’s impressive preseason debut for the Vikings, fans breathed a sigh of relief. After weeks of worry that Minnesota was in trouble at QB2, the four year veteran calmed those fears on Saturday.

In fact, after today’s preseason game against the Texans, it’s starting to feel like we might have an embarrassment of riches in that room.

Brett Rypien’s time in Minnesota drawing to an end??

29-year-old veteran Brett Rypien also got some playing time today. His day did not go as well as the other three Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks, as he finished 1-of-4 for 6 yards. Rypien also took the Vikings’ only two sacks on the day.

Prior to this week, it was Sam Howell who many wondered would make the team. After one preseason game, it appears as if Brett Rypien needs to have an incredible finish to training camp if he wants any sort of roster spot in the regular season.

We know both Rypien and Brosmer will get a ton of playing time in the MN Vikings final two preseason games. If the first is any indication of how those will go, Brett’s time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be coming to a close.

Related: MN Vikings New Veteran Carted Off With Injury

Meanwhile, should Max continue to play well, sneaking him onto the practice squad may be a lot more difficult than originally anticipated. No matter, it does appear as if Vikings fans have less to worry about at the QB position, entering week two of the preseason, than anytime since the start of the 2025 offseason.

The next handful of days will be the biggest of McCarthy’s training camp and preseason. Today, we will see JJ start under center against the Texans. Later this week, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick will get a bunch of reps in joint practices against the New England Patriots.

From there, it sounds like JJ McCarthy will turn his attention to week one of the regular season, in Chicago, on Monday Night Football. According to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune), Minnesota’s new QB1’s “probably not going to play next week vs the Patriots”, in the Vikings second preseason game vs New England.

“I do think Kevin O’Connell wants to get JJ McCarthy work in a game, or in game-like settings. He’s not probably going to play against the Patriots after those joint practices, but he will get some work. The fans will get a chance to see him on Saturday and then they’ll have some things to go off of.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

Because starters almost never play in the third and final preseason game, Saturday afternoon is likely to be the only time we will see JJ McCarthy running the Minnesota Vikings offense, until week one of the regular season on September 8.

How much will JJ McCarthy play today for Minnesota Vikings?

So, how much will we see McCarthy play today? Up until Saturday morning, there was no indication, outside of educated guessing from insiders, like Goessling, who predicted a “decent” amount of JJ this afternoon.

But how much is a “decent” amount. Well, Texans beat reporter for Houston’s local NBC affiliate, Aaron Wilson (KPRC) — who has had a knack for breaking Vikings news periodically in the past — is hearing it won’t be much. According to Wilson, JJ McCarthy will get just 8-10 plays.

For #Vikings today, expect a quick day for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, perhaps eight to 10 plays or so @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2025

Related: Former QB Says MN Vikings Wanted Him to Play Worse

Even if the MN Vikings want to play JJ McCarthy more than one or two drives, they don’t want to play the rest of their starters any more than that, especially on the offensive line. And if the starters aren’t in the trenches, then there’s no chance the future of the franchise will be in the game either.

The last time we saw McCarthy play, it was one year ago, in Minnesota’s first preseason game of 2024. In that home contest against the Raiders, a then newly drafted JJ looked phenomenal, completing 11-of-18 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Vikings inactives vs Texans mostly on defense

Kevin O’Connell is starting many of his healthy veterans against the Texans, including center Ryan Kelly and right guard, Will Fries, meaning McCarthy will play behind four of his five starting offensive linemen, absent only Christian Darrisaw. Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and Jordan Mason will all play too.

In contrast, the Vikings’ defensive starters, which have reportedly been leaps and bounds ahead of their offensive counterparts so far during Minnesota Vikings training camp, will get the night off. More than likely, we will not see any of the players listed below until week one of the regular season.

The following players are not expected to play in #HOUvsMIN

Byron Murphy Jr.
Justin Jefferson
Harrison Smith
Aaron Jones Sr.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Joshua Metellus
Blake Cashman
Jonathan Greenard
Christian Darrisaw
Robert Lewis
Jonathan Allen
Harrison Phillips
Javon Hargrave

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

Plenty of parallels exist there with Danielle Hunter, Cam Robinson, Aireontae Ersery, and Ed Ingram all standing on the opposing sideline. There isn’t much to glean from most exhibition games, but this one could be a bit different.

After suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason last year, J.J. McCarthy will be back under center.

JJ McCarthy will start for Minnesota Vikings

Last season J.J. McCarthy made his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 10, 2024. He’ll return to the field for the first time one day shy of his year anniversary.

OFFICIAL: Kevin O’Connell confirms Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy will play in the preseason game on Saturday against the Texans. pic.twitter.com/m8nvYBHbTO

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 4, 2025

McCarthy threw 17 passes against the Raiders and completed 11 of them. He passed for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns with one interception. He also rushed twice for 18 yards.

So far in training camp the Vikings defense has had the offense struggling to move the football. Brian Flores’ front seven ranks as the best in the sport, and that’s not a surprise it would create problems for McCarthy and the offense.

Sounds like the tentative plan for J.J. McCarthy is some work in Saturday's preseason game, then hitting it heavy next week during joint practices — KOC's biggest eval point during training camp. Then they'll assess from there. https://t.co/QFQuo9SC2o

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 4, 2025

It’s not a surprise that the Vikings would want to get McCarthy into game action. That said, the greatest point of growth throughout training camp may arguably be the joint practices with the New England Patriots. Mike Vrabel’s squad will be in town for the week leading up to their exhibition contest. Those practices are an opportunity to learn, and McCarthy will see a defense other than his own.

Every throw from JJ McCarthy in his debut vs the Raiders@Vikings #Vikings pic.twitter.com/VzQNgPfc0J

— awthentik (@awthentik) August 11, 2024

If there is a group for the former Michigan product to grow against though, it’s his own teammates. McCarthy is constantly seeing high-level looks in practice, and that should only serve him well when the game goes at breakneck speed.

McCarthy enters the season as the Vikings unquestioned starter after being made a first round pick last April. Minnesota is hoping he can be their franchise quarterback of the future, and the proving ground will be the results this season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add More Pass-Catching Help

Everywhere he has been McCarthy has won. He left college after winning a National Championship. The Wolverines quarterback threw for 2,991 yards on a Big Ten-leading 72.3 completion rate. Minnesota hopes to see more of that and their first chance this season takes place on Saturday.

Vikings revealed the expected with JJ McCarthy

Earlier in training camp Thor Nystrom reported that the Minnesota Vikings would start McCarthy in their first preseason game. It is also the only game he is expected to play in.

I can confirm something that the Vikings have strongly hinted at — JJ McCarthy will play in the first preseason game (vs HOU/Aug 9), but the plan is to sit him out in the last 2 (vs NEP/Aug 16 | at TEN/Aug 22).

— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) July 28, 2025

With McCarthy on the sidelines for both the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans contests, there will be plenty of time to evaluate the backups. Minnesota traded for Sam Howell as presumably the lead candidate behind McCarthy, but things haven’t trended that way.

The Vikings love Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer joined the squad as an undrafted free agent. That trio will have their time to shine, or prove the backup isn’t currently on the roster.

When trying to establish a legitimate QB2, it’s possible the Week 1 option is not currently on the roster.

Thankfully, the Vikings have Kevin O’Connell as their head coach. If he can fix Sam Darnold, lift Kirk Cousins and make others like Josh Dobbs semi competent, developing JJ McCarthy should be a breeze, right?

After suffering a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders last season, McCarthy essentially redshirted his rookie year. But now, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick is sitting comfortably atop the depth chart, which has raised questions surrounding the MN Vikings’ plan for him this preseason.

Minnesota opens their exhibition slate against the Houston Texans on August 9th and now, it looks like the plan for our favorite University of Michigan product is becoming clear.

McCarthy to start for MN Vikings against Houston

The old four-game preseason was more predictable, in terms of when starters would play. Now that there are only three games, teams operate less in-sync.

NFL Draft and fantasy football expert Thor Nystrom, who’s also a big Vikings fan and McCarthy supporter has confirmed that JJ will play in game one of Minnesota’s exhibition schedule.

I can confirm something that the Vikings have strongly hinted at — JJ McCarthy will play in the first preseason game (vs HOU/Aug 9), but the plan is to sit him out in the last 2 (vs NEP/Aug 16 | at TEN/Aug 22).

— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) July 28, 2025

With McCarthy set to be under center for Week 1 of the preseason, it will immediately give him a chance to see game action again. He has been on the sidelines since the injury against the Raiders last year, and this will be a big moment for him.

McCarthy threw 17 passes in his lone NFL game and completed 11 of them. He totaled 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. It was an encouraging sign for a player just starting their professional career.

J.J. McCarthy to Trishton Jackson for the 45 yard TD!

And @JJettas2 LOVES it!

📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/QmEKsnabMz

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

It remains a mystery if JJ McCarthy would have ever unseated Darnold during the regular season, but that isn’t a concern now. Minnesota looks to unleash their new signal caller out of the gate, and then keep him unscathed until the games count.

Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer will do plenty of the heavy lifting during both the New England and Tennessee preseason games. You can expect McCarthy to be plenty active for the Minnesota Vikings joint practices with the New England Patriots before their preseason matchup.

Although McCarthy does not yet have professional stats on his Football Reference page, he left college with a Big Ten leading 72.3% completion rate. As a junior he threw for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

Related: Justin Jefferson Headlines Elite Madden Club

In Minnesota, McCarthy will have arguably the greatest collection of skill position players in the league. He is one of only two quarterbacks that get to throw to a 99 Club wide receiver as well. The games that count are just around the corner, and we get to see the Vikings new quarterback very soon.

During the first training camp practice that Vikings media was allowed to attend, reports were all positive. McCarthy appeared to have full control of the offense, was moving guys around pre-snap and barking out orders like an NFL veteran.

First Vikings practice: JJ McCarthy shines… other QBs struggle

From the sounds of it, JJ’s impressive first day was amplified by how poorly his new backups, Sam Howell and Brett Rypien, looked in their first-ever training camp practice at TCO Performance Center.

Unlike the MN Vikings first team offense, which was led by McCarthy, Howell and Rypien struggled so much pre and post-snap that the second and third team offenses were in complete disarray, as noted by multiple reporters on site. Here’s how it looked via Alec Lewis (The Athletic).

Howell tossed the ball right into Ivan Pace Jr.’s hands over the middle of the field, while edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted Rypien in classic Van Ginkel fashion. Rypien responded with an accurate deep ball down the left sideline, but Howell’s troubles continued. There was a disjointed pre-snap rep. On another, Howell scanned slowly and had his pass deflected by linebacker Kobe King.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Before the team went out for practice on Wednesday, JJ McCarthy answered questions about his health, his teammates, his feelings regarding the upcoming season and a plethora of other things. But the conversation started with a question surrounding the 22-year-old’s growing relationship with his new center, Ryan Kelly.

JJ McCarthy, Ryan Kelly already best friends

Because McCarthy only came in with a puncher’s chance to steal the Vikings’ starting QB job at training camp last year, creating that close personal relationship with Garrett Bradbury, who was trying to form a bond with Sam Darnold too, probably wasn’t the easiest thing for a wet-behind-the-ear rookie.

On Wednesday, JJ McCarthy made it very clear that forming a strong relationship with Ryan Kelly — who’s exactly ten years his senior (32 y/o) — has not been an issue, whatsoever. He even went as far as to call Kelly “one of the most favorite teammates I’ve ever had”.

Well… it took *checks calendar* approximately FOUR months for JJ McCarthy and Ryan Kelly to become best friends. 👀🥹

"[Ryan Kelly]'s been amazing. One of the most favorite teammates I've ever had. His knowledge about the game, but who he is as a man. It's really one of a… pic.twitter.com/NeJW4sVKPk

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 24, 2025

“He’s been amazing, you know, one of the most favorite teammates I’ve ever had. Just his knowledge about the game, but who he is as a man. Like, it’s really one of a kind. And just, you know, the depth of knowledge, how he attacks every single day, how he is as a dad, you know, all the things I get to learn from him on and off the field. It’s a tremendous blessing.

JJ McCarthy on his budding relationship with new center, Ryan Kelly

Related: Bears Nearly Drafted JJ McCarthy Over Caleb Williams with No. 1 Pick

The quarterback and center relationship is one of the utmost importance on the football field. From handling protections and unique defensive looks to clock management and more, it is imperative that these two players are on the same page.

Luckily for Vikings fans, it appears he and his new veteran center are having no issues getting to know each other. Ryan Kelly is known for his elite football IQ and nastiness inside the trenches, two traits that should pay off dividends for a redshirt rookie quarterback trying to operate head coach Kevin O’Connell’s complex offense.

“This is the most talented team I’ve ever been around top to bottom.”

– #Vikings C Ryan Kelly

(Via @alec_lewis) pic.twitter.com/I5MGUNDnmf

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 12, 2025

During the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings front office made it clear that they were going to prioritize both the offense and defensive lines. Not only do they now have the best front seven in the NFL on defense, according to some experts, but they now have what appears to be a pretty impenetrable wall (if healthy) on offense too.

Not only did they add the aforementioned 4x pro bowl center, Ryan Kelly, but they also drafted Ohio State monster guard Donovan Jackson to take over at LG and brought in Kelly’s teammate from Indianapolis, Will Fries.

JJ McCarthy “feels different” this time around

Entering camp last season, JJ McCarthy was the underdog to win QB1 out of Minnesota Vikings training camp. While the winds of change were starting to whistle when he went 13/17 for 188 passing yards, 2 touchdown and 1 interception during his first ever preseason game last August vs the Raiders.

Unfortunately, JJ felt something wrong with his knee after his preseason debut, which wound up being the torn meniscus that cost him his first NFL season. But no matter how the 2024 situation did or would have turned out, there’s no doubting 2025 is a far different experience for last year’s 10th overall pick.

Related: 3 Underrated MN Vikings to Watch at Training Camp

When asked specifically about feeling the difference between this year and last, McCarthy was candid, noting that life as QB1 is just different. As Gopher football coach PJ Fleck likes to say, “when you’re the standard… you’re the standard.” And no doubt McCarthy appreciates all the reps he is getting with his fellow starters on offense.

“I feel different just because, uh, it’s a different situation being year two knowing the offense a lot better than I did when I first came in here, and knowing the guys and how they move and you know how they react to certain, you know, coaching points and just little, you know, things that go along with day to day practice and meetings ,and yeah it’s definitely a different feeling and a really good one.”

JJ McCarthy

While we all heard the rumblings over the offseason about troubles regaining his weight, and the second “procedure” that nearly sent fans straight into panic mode just months ago, those are worries are now in the past (thankfully).

Then, a month later (Sept. 8), Kevin O’Connell & Co will kick off the 2025 regular season on Monday Night Football, against the division rival Chicago Bears. They’ll tell us not to overreact to week one, but that’ll be easier said than done, after what (god-willing) will be the regular season debut of medical redshirt rookie QB, JJ McCarthy.

Not only is the 22-year-old‘s first NFL game scheduled to take place on the biggest weekly stage in all of sports, but he’ll do it in his home state of Illinois. In fact, McCarthy grew up in Evanston, IL, which is less than an hour drive up the coast of Lake Michigan from Soldier Field.

Will immense pressure weigh on JJ McCarthy during MN Vikings debut week 1?

Will the pressure of that 1.5 months from now have an effect on JJ McCarthy’s ability to play football that evening? Minnesota Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis (The Athletic) asked that question to some of the quarterback’s former coaches and trainers, who would know best.

Every single one had the same response. That the Vikings’ new quarterback was built for moments like week one of the 2025 NFL season. Since he was a kid, McCarthy has been watching, reading and listening to people who motivate him, from Michael Jordan to Tom Brady to random CEOs who give incredible YouTube presentations.

These lines sound straight out of the computation notebook McCarthy began compiling years ago. He would read quotes from Michael Jordan and scribble them down. Late at night, lying in bed, he’d hang on every word of a motivational speech from some revered business executive or renowned psychologist. The following day, his parents, Jim and Megan, would find advice jotted on the whiteboard in his room.

At IMG, McCarthy begged coaches to give him more responsibility. As in, “Send me the practice plan before tomorrow.” As in, “Allow me to make checks at the line of scrimmage — please.” The school’s quarterbacks coach, Kurt Gould, would leave his laptop open at night so McCarthy could log in to the film platform.

The Athletic

Related: JJ McCarthy Says He’s Ready to Start for the MN Vikings… Plus Much More

At every level, JJ has surprised his coaches and those around him by the way he prepares and the consistency he brings to the locker room day in and day out. In his article at The Athletic — which I caution, will make you run through the nearest wall — Lewis’ main source of background information is McCarthy’s longtime individual QB coach, Greg Holcomb.

Confirmed: JJ McCarthy wants all the pressure

The two have been working together since the summer between JJ’s 7th and 8th grade years of middle school. And if there is one thing that Greg has learned in his seven-eight years of working with the highest drafted quarterback in Minnesota Vikings franchise history, is that no moment is ever too big for this kid.

When [Holcomb] is asked how he thinks McCarthy will manage the mayhem [of week 1], he answers the same way so many of McCarthy’s former coaches and teammates do.

It’s not, “He’ll be fine.” It’s more forceful, like, “I can’t tell you how much I’d bet on that kid.”

“I don’t think it feels like weight to him,” Holcomb said.

Then what does it feel like?

“Another opportunity to do something great.”

The Athletic

JJ McCarthy really tore Bama up in the Rose Bowl

27-1 as a starter
3x Big Ten Champion
National Champion
Big Ten QB of the year
Top 10 pick

GREATEST QB in Michigan History #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/rp1ucYYHKZ

— Underwood Unleashed (@Underwood_szn) July 18, 2025

These are only a couple of the stories that Alec Lewis compiled for his latest write up on JJ McCarthy, which dropped Monday morning. There’s another IMG Academy story in there where his coaches saw him out standing in the middle of the football stadium, after the lights had been turned out.

Why? He had his playbook down there with him and he was walking through the next game’s script by himself, taking “imaginary snaps” and going through the reads of each play. Again, if you have a spare wall handy, I’d highly recommend reading Lewis’ entire article.

Because once you do, you’ll walk away wondering if the Minnesota Vikings actually drafted the next Tom Brady, especially when it comes to preparation and the mental side of the game.

Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears nearly drafted JJ McCarthy over Caleb Williams

And apparently, Alec’s readers aren’t the only ones. Also included within the piece is a supposed conversation between McCarthy’s aforementioned individual QB coach, Greg Holcomb and Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles.

It came during a middle school quarterbacks camp that Holcomb was hosting and Poles was attending. According to the well-known QB whisperer, that’s when the subject of JJ McCarthy came up and Chicago’s GM let it slip that the Bears nearly shocked the football world at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, where they seriously considered selecting McCarthy over consensus No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams.

During a changeover at the camp, Holcomb approached Poles and introduced himself. They found their way to the subject of McCarthy.

“He was talking about how much they (the Bears) loved J.J.,” Holcomb said. “And said to me, ‘I don’t think people realize how close we were to possibly taking him.’ Obviously, they love (No. 1 pick) Caleb (Williams), but I thought that was interesting.”

The Athletic

There are nearly 1000 words in this article already, between myself and Alec, and neither of us touched on the incredible National Championship-winning career he had at Michigan. Let’s not forget that none of these stories matter if JJ McCarthy didn’t develop into an elite quarterback, which he absolutely did.

As a senior for the Wolverines, while his head coach and the entire program was embroiled in one of the most historic cheating scandals in all of sports history, McCarthy tuned out the noise and lead Michigan to a National Championship.

Related: Minnesota Vikings No Longer Babying JJ McCarthy

His haters will say he didn’t have to do much, behind such a great defense and running game. But he was the emotional and spiritual leader of a bunch that needed it desperately in that moment.

Oh, and he finished with one of the most efficient quarterback seasons in CFB history, throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions, on 72.3% passing.

JJ McCarthy is the most efficient QB in the country. Here are his week 7 highlights vs Indiana pic.twitter.com/bG7RmGng6y

— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) October 17, 2023

Last summer, head coach Kevin O’Connell made his development plan for McCarthy public knowledge. He was going to start the rookie in QB preschool, where Vikings coaches would wrap him in mental bubble wrap and hit him with the football equivalent of kid gloves.

Kwesi: JJ McCarthy was never going to reach QB1 last season

The focus back then was on footwork, timing and learning KOC’s offense. The Vikings didn’t even want to think about McCarthy taking over under center, let alone answer questions on it. In fact, Kwesi reiterated in a recent interview that short of a Sam Darnold injury, there was almost no path to McCarthy starting in 2024.

#Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the plan last year was to sit JJ McCarthy last season even if he was healthy:

“We were pretty clear, publicly, that we didn’t want him to play. Not because how he would’ve played, we just thought for the better success of his career, it’s… pic.twitter.com/mubjUTz7TG

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 5, 2025

That’s just not how KOC’s quarterback school works. Well, not for the highest QB draft pick in Minnesota Vikings history. Instead, the plan O’Connell developed for McCarthy last offseason was a tiered program focused most heavily on gaining confidence, without the pressure of performing on Sundays.

Expecting a rookie to blow through all of the steps O’Connell put in place for him McCarthy by week one last season was never realistic. That’s why fans were so shocked/excited when McCarthy went off for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 11 of 17 passing in his first and only 2024 preseason game (vs Raiders).

Minnesota Vikings have taken bubble wrap off McCarthy

Fast forward one year. Not only are the Minnesota Vikings no longer hiding JJ McCarthy on back fields during offseason workouts, but they decided against bringing in ANY real camp competition for their redshirt rookie. They may not have said it publicly yet, but the Vikings have coronated McCarthy as the starter.

And according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, last year’s bubble wrap has been popped and the coaches have taken their kid gloves off. They’ve loaded up his playbook and put him in charge at the line of scrimmage. In other words, it’s sink or swim time for the University of Michigan alum, repaired meniscus be damned.

The Vikings weren’t babying J.J. McCarthy this spring. He may have been coming off of a torn meniscus, and he may only be in his second season, but Minnesota’s staff made the tests difficult. McCarthy received lengthy call sheets before practices. He was responsible for calls at the line of scrimmage. He was not at all chastised for mistakes, but the seriousness of each rep seemed evident.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Related: Vikings Calculating Ripple Effects of Possible Brian Flores Departure?

So, how has JJ McCarthy responded to his new responsibilities and change in coaching style? From what Lewis witnessed this spring and what he’s hearing behind the scenes from his many Minnesota Vikings sources, McCarthy has continued to impress.

MN Vikings hope challenging JJ McCarthy now will pay dividends later

The real ones know by now that any questions surrounding McCarthy’s arm strength is unfounded. The focus, instead, has been taking heat off his fastball when necessary, especially down the field when layering passes between levels of the opposing defense.

When bodies start really flying in a couple months, the MN Vikings hope that this harder coaching style will make his transition from protected rookie to team leader a little easier.

McCarthy didn’t float perfectly through the weeks, but a steady stream of growth imprinted on the staffers monitoring him every day. He threw the ball with accuracy. His arm strength stood out. His ability to layer different throws continues to be the priority physically.

However, the mental challenges of the spring became the most important. The team’s hope is that making it as hard as it’s been over the past few months will supercharge growth come training camp and the season.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Related: Recently Cleared JJ McCarthy Claps Back at Arm Strength Criticism

As a wise man once said, believe what people do, not what they say. And as I wrote earlier in this article, the Vikings’ seeming disinterest in adding a veteran QB more proven than Sam Howell showed us exactly how much they trust in JJ McCarthy.

But at the end of the day, we won’t what we have in our new franchise QB until he takes the field. But hey, that moment is coming very, very soon.