J.J. McCarthy Set for Preseason Debut as Vikings Face Texans

J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, is slated to take the field in Saturday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, marking his first game action since an injury sidelined him last year before the season commenced.

While head coach Kevin O'Connell did not specify the number of snaps McCarthy will receive, he suggested that the young quarterback's playing time may be limited to this initial game.

"You'd love to play him as much as possible," O'Connell remarked, "but with those two days of joint practice, the repetitions that the other guys on offense will get in terms of physicality and workload will likely serve as our real days."

The Vikings are set to host the New England Patriots for their final two open practices on August 13 and 14, which O'Connell indicated might replace additional preseason snaps for McCarthy, although he acknowledged that plans could evolve.

"If we need to get a little more work, we will, and then we'll assess that final preseason game when it comes," he added, hinting at flexibility in their approach.

It's typical for starting quarterbacks to have limited exposure during preseason games, particularly given McCarthy's previous season-ending injury sustained in a preseason matchup. This cautious strategy seems prudent for the Vikings as they navigate his return.

Consequently, ample playing time is expected for the other quarterbacks on the roster: Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer. O'Connell expressed a desire to evaluate Howell more closely.

"I think he's really flashed his arm talent," O'Connell noted. "What I'm looking for is just consistency."

Throughout the offseason, O'Connell has consistently voiced confidence in McCarthy as a first-year starter. The upcoming game will provide fans with insight into whether that confidence is justified.

"I'm fired up about [McCarthy] and I," O'Connell stated, "the dynamic we have, and how we're kind of both growing together on a daily basis, looking towards what this finished product of training camp looks like as we attack the season together."

The Vikings are scheduled to face the Texans at 3 p.m. Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.