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.

Now, those fans have their answer. Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings' head coach, has announced that McCarthy will indeed play on Saturday. However, he did not reveal how much the first-year starter will play.

Nearly one year to the day since he suffered a torn meniscus in his Minnesota Vikings preseason debut, J.J. McCarthy will return to game action, with coach Kevin O'Connell announcing his new starting quarterback will indeed play in the team's preseason opener Saturday against the Houston Texans.