McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in 2024 but could only watch after his injury as Sam Darnold led a great Vikings season. The pressure is now on McCarthy to try and match or exceed that. If he's indeed able to use his athleticism to its full potential, that'll go a long way toward the Vikings reaching theirs.

Despite reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled at training camp, his head coach, Kevin O’Connell, is not worried. Here is what O’Connell had to say:

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play in Saturday's preseason opener, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, the young passer's first on-field action since an injury ended his rookie year.