A year after suffering a season-ending knee injury, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy marked his highly anticipated return with poise and promise, leading a full-field scoring drive in the Minnesota Vikings’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick from Michigan in 2024, orchestrated a 13-play, 58-yard drive, capped by Will Reichard’s 48-yard field goal. He completed 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards, and demonstrated his mobility with an 8-yard scramble on fourth down to keep the drive alive.
Earlier in the game, McCarthy paused to say a quiet prayer at the 9-yard line before the national anthem—an emotional full-circle moment ahead of his return to U.S. Bank Stadium.
What This Means
- Post-injury confidence: McCarthy’s composed performance signals readiness for the season ahead.
- Measured workload: Anticipated to receive just 8–10 snaps, this short but meaningful appearance focused on execution over volume.
- Fan excitement: His return energized the crowd and solidified his position as the Vikings’ starting QB entering 2025.
Quick Takeaways
McCarthy’s return played out as a notable blend of personal integrity and professional promise—a signal of confidence from both player and organization.
Let me know if you want a breakdown of his decision-making, comparisons with Sam Howell, or how the QB depth battle is shaping up.
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