Do you expect J.J. McCarthy to play in the preseason?
— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) July 1, 2025
Vikings Fans Expect to See Golden Boy Early and Often
Over 87% of respondents forecasted McCarthy to play in August, indicating an overwhelming response rate.
Our own Tony Schultz commented, “A series of 3 would be good to lock down the chemistry. They can’t worry about injuries because they can happen to anyone at any time. If he gets injured in the 1st game, folks will complain it’s because he didn’t take preseason reps to get in the flow.”
@FBAnalysisTY opined, “I’d like to see a few drives, yes. Just to get in the flow. Even if it’s a few runs and a few play action passes to Gavin Bartholomew in the flat – I want the game reps.”
Tyler Ireland of Zone Coverage, on the other hand, advised against it. “I hope not. He has nothing to prove, he’s gonna be our Day 1 starter and I don’t want any more injury shenanigans,” Ireland wrote.
Starters … Usually Don’t Play with O’Connell in Charge
Ordinarily — a talker that may apply next summer — McCarthy, as the unabashed QB1, would not play at all. Kirk Cousins did not with Kevin O’Connell in charge.
Sam Darnold saw a teensy bit of action in 2024 because of his newcomer status. All existing veterans, like Harrison Smith, for example, don’t play in the preseason with O’Connell at the helm.
Hence the debate.