Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Consider J.J. McCarthy update a vote of confidence from Vikings

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 6:38 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have seen what they needed to see thus far from second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

On Thursday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed McCarthy won't play in their second preseason game against the New England Patriots Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. Backup QB Sam Howell is set to start instead.

Consider the update a vote of confidence from O'Connell and company. The team likely believes that the Michigan product is ready for the regular season and doesn't require additional preseason reps.

McCarthy presumably gained even more trust from Minnesota after dominating Thursday's joint practice against New England. Multiple clips of him throwing touchdown passes surfaced on social media, including a long one to running back Aaron Jones.

The signal-caller demonstrated excellent pocket presence on the play, evading the Patriots' pass-rush before finding Jones along the sideline.

building that connection (via @SeanBormanNFL) pic.twitter.com/Enoc2oC06b
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2025

McCarthy is already coming off a solid performance against the Houston Texans in Minnesota's preseason opener. During the 20-10 home win, the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft went 4-of-7 passing for 30 yards on one drive.

Vikings star tight end T.J. Hockenson attributes the quick start to McCarthy's maturity, which is beyond his years. The TE said the 22-year-old carries himself like a veteran during a Wednesday news conference.

"I mean, he doesn't feel like a young guy," he told the media. "I mean, the way he controls the huddle, the way he comes in, his energy in the huddle, how he talks about the game, the level and the mentality, it's high-level thinking."

With McCarthy already seeming ready, there's little incentive to play him in another preseason game.

The Vikings don't want to put him at risk of suffering another injury. McCarthy already missed his rookie season because of a right knee issue. Minnesota can't afford to lose him, especially when he's looking like the future of the franchise.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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