The biggest question facing the Minnesota Vikings centers on their quarterback situation, as J.J. McCarthy is expected to take over as the starter after missing the entire 2024-25 season with a torn meniscus. The Vikings made their commitment clear by allowing Sam Darnold to leave in free agency following his impressive resurgent campaign and declining advances from Aaron Rodgers. Now, all attention turns to McCarthy’s development and readiness.
How Much Will J.J. McCarthy and Vikings Starters Play?
The Vikings are taking a cautious approach with their young quarterback. McCarthy’s preseason workload remains an open question, especially considering what happened during the 2024-25 preseason opener against the Raiders. The rookie went 11-17 with two touchdown passes but suffered a meniscus tear that cost him his entire first season.
JJ McCarthy made this INSANE play in training camp for his 39th TD. He still only has 2 interceptions all camp 👀
The Vikings might have the next Patrick Mahomes ‼️
pic.twitter.com/32A2JmW7Wa— Cam (@42Cyc) August 7, 2025
The primary goal appears to be getting McCarthy some valuable game-speed experience before pulling him for the backups. Sam Howell and Brett Rypien will all get their opportunities, with Howell needing a strong performance to secure the backup quarterback role behind McCarthy.
Who Else Should Vikings Fans Watch on Defense?
The Vikings made significant defensive additions in free agency, but Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are unlikely to see action on Saturday. This creates opportunities for backup defensive linemen to showcase their pass-rushing abilities.
Along the interior, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Jalen Redmond are expected to receive extensive playing time. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will get a good look at what these players can contribute to the pass rush.
The battle for the fourth edge rusher spot will be exciting to watch. Second-year pass rushers Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy should see significant snaps as they compete for roster spots. Undrafted rookie free agent Tyler Batty adds another intriguing element to this competition.
In the secondary, while Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy have locked down the starting cornerback positions, the competition for the third spot remains fierce. Mekhi Blackmon and Jeff Okudah are battling for that role, but second-year undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern has been making waves during camp. McGlothern has made some noise in camp by recording interceptions in three consecutive practices.
“It’s a blessing, for sure,” he told Emily Leiker of The Star Tribune. “I just gotta keep making plays… I’m trying to see the field this year.”
Dwight McGlothern’s nabbed 3 picks this week, one each day for a 3-day streak: “It’s a blessing, for sure. I just gotta keep making plays… I’m trying to see the field this year.”
— emily leiker (@emleiker) July 30, 2025
What’s at Stake in the Backup Running Back Competition?
The backup running back position presents another compelling battle to watch. Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, and Zavier Scott are locked in a three-way competition to serve as the primary backup behind Aaron Jones, Sr., who is unlikely to play in the preseason opener.
Mason brings the most experience to the competition thanks to his time with the San Francisco 49ers, but both Chandler and Scott have been pushing him throughout camp. This competition could come down to who performs best in game situations.
The Vikings face off against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on August 9.
