J.J. McCarthy’s latest preseason appearance ended abruptly, raising fresh questions after the injury-plagued quarterback was “banged up” during the Vikings’ 13-3 loss to the Ravens on Saturday.
McCarthy was seemingly expected to get a longer look in Minnesota’s latest preseason game, but his night lasted just one quarter. He started and played 18 offensive snaps before veteran Carson Wentz replaced him.
“Maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was at snap-count-wise. But once he was a little hobbled there … I’m sure I’ll have an update for you, but he seemed to be fine,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.
O’Connell did not provide any specifics about the injury or injuries. Teams are, of course, known and expected to exercise caution during the preseason, leaving the situation unclear for now.
McCarthy completed 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards and did not throw a touchdown. He also missed a major opportunity, overthrowing a wide-open Myles Price deep in the red zone.
And McCarthy already faces another major change heading into the season. He will not be Minnesota’s starting quarterback. That role belongs to former Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray, who was named the Vikings’ QB1 earlier this month.
Murray signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Minnesota, although he is still guaranteed nearly $37 million from Arizona this season.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft, missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus. He did make 10 starts last year, but injuries continued to limit him, including a high ankle sprain and later a small hairline fracture.
In his first year playing NFL football, McCarthy completed just 57.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Now, after another preseason outing ended sooner than expected, all eyes will be on what comes next for the former first-round pick.
Prakash Kumar is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with 12 years of experience creating clear, engaging news content for digital audiences. His reporting spans automobile launches, emerging technology, consumer gadgets, health and diet tips, and everyday lifestyle trends. Known for turning complex information into useful, reader-friendly stories, Prakash combines careful research with a sharp editorial eye. He follows industry developments closely, interviews experts, and delivers timely articles that help readers make informed choices. Whether covering a new car, a smart device, or practical nutrition advice, Prakash brings accuracy, curiosity, and approachable writing to every story he publishes for news readers.