McCarthy Leads Vikings to 20-10 Preseason Victory Over Texans

J.J. McCarthy showcased his skills in a brief but impactful appearance for the Vikings, completing 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards and orchestrating a scoring drive during his only series. Minnesota secured a 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener on Saturday.

Returning from a year-long absence due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, McCarthy received a warm welcome from the home crowd. The first-round draft pick from Michigan quickly found his rhythm, completing his first four passes, including three to Jordan Addison, who made an impressive sliding catch for an 18-yard gain. McCarthy also demonstrated his mobility, running for an 8-yard first down on a crucial fourth-and-4 play at the Texans' 43-yard line, which helped sustain a 58-yard scoring drive culminating in Will Reichard's 48-yard field goal, giving the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.

"It was great to get things done from an operational standpoint," McCarthy remarked. "There's a lot we can build on off that — a lot more areas we can grow, me specifically, for sure. But I was really happy to string together (a drive) and get some points on the board."

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell echoed McCarthy's sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the quarterback's performance. "We don't do a lot of game-planning for these games," O'Connell noted. "But we also want to give our guys a chance to go out there and have success. So there are going to be some plays where guys have to rise up and make some plays above the scheme, and he did that a couple of times with his legs." He added, "It didn't really feel like he put the ball at harm's risk very much in that sequence of plays."

The Texans responded effectively on their opening possession. Davis Mills, starting in place of C.J. Stroud, led a 74-yard drive that concluded with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios, putting Houston ahead 7-3. "I was really pleased with our first offensive group," said head coach DeMeco Ryans. "The way they stepped out very efficiently. I liked everybody just being very calm and composed. Davis did an excellent job of driving the ball down the field, commanding the huddle, putting the ball in really good placement."

After McCarthy's exit, backup Sam Howell took over and played the remainder of the first half, completing 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards. Howell led Minnesota to two additional scores: a 38-yard field goal by Reichard and a 1-yard touchdown run that gave the Vikings a 13-7 lead at halftime.

However, not all news was positive for Minnesota. Wide receiver Rondale Moore suffered what appeared to be a serious left knee injury during a punt return early in the second quarter and was carted off the field. O'Connell confirmed that Moore would undergo an MRI on Sunday. Moore had previously missed the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury while with Atlanta and was expected to bolster Minnesota's receiving corps. The Vikings will also be without Addison for the first three games of the regular season due to a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

"It's heartbreaking," O'Connell expressed regarding Moore's injury. "I think anybody in the ballpark (today) could feel the emotion. It's one of the most painful things for me as a head coach. I make a life out of trying to leave others better than I found them, and in that particular situation, there's really nothing you can do."

Houston's final two drives ended with interceptions thrown by rookie Max Brosmer, both picked off by Kahlef Hailassie, sealing the victory for the Vikings in McCarthy's first game back after nearly a year.

"It felt amazing being back out there," McCarthy said after the game. "Just really playing football again and being out there with the guys. There's nothing like it. I loved the way we played as a group collectively."

Several key Vikings veterans did not participate in the game, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is recovering from a mild left hamstring strain, and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is still rehabilitating from a season-ending knee injury sustained last year.

Houston running back Nick Chubb, who joined the team this offseason, did not play due to missing practice time earlier in the week after sustaining a head injury.

O'Connell also reported that rookie center Zeke Correll suffered a right ankle fracture during the second half.

The Texans will host the Carolina Panthers next Saturday, while the Vikings will face off against the New England Patriots at home on the same day.

NOTE: The original airdate of the video attached to this article is Aug. 1, 2025.