Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy checks all boxes in preseason start versus Texans

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 5:23 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy showed no rust from 2024's season-ending knee injury in his lone preseason series on Saturday against the Houston Texans.

The No. 10 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft tore his meniscus last August, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season. McCarthy made some solid plays against the Texans to quell concern entering the regular season.

McCarthy went 4-of-7 for 30 yards on the opening drive, also adding eight yards on one rush attempt, while driving the Vikings 58 yards before settling for a 48-yard field goal.

On an 2nd-and-5 five plays into the game, McCarthy connected with third-year wide receiver Jordan Addison on an out route with pressure getting in his face.

McCarthy and Addison demonstrated good timing, with McCarthy releasing the ball before Addison broke his route and made the sliding catch.

Good throw from J.J. McCarthy under pressure.

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7nI0FqEbMR
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

Four players later, he evaded blitzing linebacker Jake Hansen on a 4th-and-4 and gained eight yards to extend the drive.

4th and 4... McCarthy does it with his feet.

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6H4IscN74N
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

Last season, the Vikings went 14-3 with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Minnesota ranked sixth in the league in passing (237.8 yards per game) and fifth in passing touchdowns (35). Entering his first season as the team's starter, the Vikings shouldn't anticipate McCarthy replicating those numbers.

But he shouldn't have to.

McCarthy was an effective game manager at Michigan, where he won the 2023 national championship, ceding the spotlight to an excellent defense and strong rushing attack.

The Vikings ranked fifth in scoring defense a season ago and have the pieces to be one of the league's top units again this season. On offense, while Addison will miss the first three weeks of the regular season due to a suspension, McCarthy will benefit from throwing to one of the league's top receivers, Justin Jefferson, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will likely make life even easier.

McCarthy appeared competent and, more importantly, confident leading the Vikings offense in the preseason opener. For a player who had gone nearly a full year without playing, it was the kind of performance Minnesota needed to see.

The regular season will be another beast, but nothing in McCarthy's 2025 preseason debut suggests the moment will be too big.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads: