It’s been 364 days since J.J. McCarthy last took an NFL snap due to suffering a meniscus injury in the Minnesota Vikings‘ 2024 preseason opener.
Fans are ready to see the 22-year-old in action, but how much he plays against the Houston Texans on Saturday, August 9, remains to be seen.
What is certain is the scrutiny the young quarterback is likely to face, no matter how he performs.
Recently, Colin Cowherd and Diana Russini entertained the possibility that the Vikings are falsely propping up McCarthy as being further along in his development than he actually is.
If McCarthy performs well on Saturday, many national spectators will chalk it up to the Texans not playing their starting defense on Saturday. If he struggles, it will only be more fuel for critics.
Last year, McCarthy showed out against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11-of-17 pass attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns. But what was even more impressive was McCarthy bouncing back from an early interception and hitting his receivers on similar route concepts.
Just 21 years old and coming off an undefeated national championship run at the time, McCarthy was not rattled one bit.
And while the roar of a packed crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium will certainly bring some chills for the young quarterback returning for his first action since surgery, he’s proved he can handle the outside noise before.
No matter his performance on Saturday, the outside noise will surely only grow louder until McCarthy, the youngest projected starter this year, steps on the field for a regular-season game.
We’re almost there.
Vikings Expected to Limit McCarthy Against Texans
How much McCarthy will play is a major consideration for the Vikings. They need to get their young quarterback ready to start Week 1.
However, head coach Kevin O’Connell has put more of his evaluation on joint practices, happening next week with the New England Patriots.
That could mean an early exit for McCarthy.
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who is a Houston-based reporter, McCarthy is expected to play eight to 10 plays.
That’s likely not going to give McCarthy a chance to put up a productive stat line.
The onus will largely be on McCarthy getting the offense, which will be largely second-team players, lined up correctly and executing the play calls without the aid of starting center Ryan Kelly.
Vikings QB Intrigue Begins After McCarthy Leaves Texans Game
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill with other quarterbacks during training camp.
While McCarthy may not have a chance to dazzle fans with his limited action in Saturday’s game, the real show could begin after he leaves with a growing battle for the QB2 spot.
Sam Howell was signed to assume the role, but after struggles throughout training camp, Brett Rypien has stepped up and started taking some second-team reps.
If Howell cannot put forth a productive day, the Vikings could be on the search for a quarterback whom they can feel confident in backing up McCarthy.
Rookie Max Brosmer will also make his NFL debut on Saturday after he starred with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers last year. Brosmer has shown promise throughout training camp but is still largely a developmental talent for the Vikings.
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