J.J. McCarthy makes his long-awaited Vikings debut in the Aug. 2025 preseason opener vs. Houston after a year-long injury. Get the latest on his return.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The roar from the packed crowd at TCO Stadium Monday night wasn't just for the return of football under the lights. It was for him. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell officially confirmed what every Vikings fan has been waiting a year to hear: J.J. McCarthy will play in the preseason opener, marking his first game action since a knee injury tragically ended his rookie campaign before it ever began.
'You’d love to play him as much as possible, but...we’ll more than likely use those two days [of joint practice] as our real days.' - Kevin O’Connell on managing J.J. McCarthy's preseason reps.
It's been a long road back for J.J. McCarthy. After being drafted to be the future, a preseason knee injury last year put everything on hold. Now, after a full offseason of rehab and taking every single first-team snap in training camp, the future is now. The pressure is immense, as every throw at camp is being dissected. As Pete Bercich of the Vikings Radio Network noted, struggles are part of the process for a young QB, but the expectation in Minnesota is sky-high. Saturday's game against Houston isn't just a tune-up; it's the first real test of his recovery and his command of the offense.
Don't expect to see McCarthy play deep into the second half, however. Coach O’Connell has a specific plan. While McCarthy will start, his playing time might be limited throughout the preseason. O’Connell values the upcoming joint practices with the New England Patriots as a more controlled and valuable environment for his starting quarterback. This means the bulk of the in-game preseason snaps will fall to backups Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and rookie Max Brosmer. For them, these games are a critical audition.
While McCarthy's debut will grab the headlines, the real drama unfolds further down the depth chart. With the backups set to see extensive action, the battle for the final 53-man roster spots is about to intensify. Keep a close eye on the wide receiver position, where veteran Jalen Nailor is feeling the heat. The Vikings' selection of speedy receiver Tai Felton in the third round has put Nailor's spot in jeopardy. For players like him, every snap, every catch, and every special teams rep against the Texans could be the difference between making the team and looking for a new one.
The Vikings are managing a few key injuries as they ramp up for the season. T.J. Hockenson, Ryan Kelly, and Josh Metellus are all listed as day-to-day, while veterans Jonathan Allen and Harrison Smith received scheduled rest days. The biggest name on the sideline, Justin Jefferson, is still recovering from an injury suffered on July 25th. While he didn't practice, his appearance on the field drew massive cheers, a reminder of his importance to a team aiming to build on a stellar 14–3 record from 2024. Securing back-to-back playoff berths for the first time since 2009 is the goal, and the journey starts now.
This Saturday's game at U.S. Bank Stadium is more than just an exhibition. It's the first chapter in J.J. McCarthy's story, a crucial test for roster hopefuls, and the first step in the Vikings' quest to prove last year's success was no fluke. All eyes will be on number 9, but the entire team has something to prove as they kick off their 2025 campaign.
