Five things to watch in the Vikings’ preseason opener vs. the Texans

It’s not often you’ll see a preseason NFL game momentous enough to cause a starting quarterback to pause for a moment of reflection, but that’s exactly what J.J. McCarthy plans to do before the Vikings’ first exhibition game against the Texans on Saturday afternoon.

The game, of course, will be McCarthy’s first since he tore the meniscus in his right knee during the Vikings’ preseason opener last year, so it marks a milestone in his recovery from the injury.

“Everyone throughout that journey has just been amazing, and I think it did a lot more good for me than bad,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “Just being out there again, it’s going to be really special. And I can’t wait to go do it.”

The quarterback’s return to the field, for however many snaps he plays on Saturday, will be the big headline from the Vikings’ preseason opener. The Vikings plan to use many of their starters on Saturday, and McCarthy’s work will kick off a pivotal week for him that includes two joint practices against the Patriots.

“There’s going to be a bunch of things that he will personally feel that we can build upon,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “There’s going to be a bunch of things as a team that hopefully we can build upon. And there’s going to be some coachable moments as well, that are all part of the process of getting him ready to go towards the season.”

Here are five other storylines to watch at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday (3 p.m., Fox 9, NFL Network):

We’ve watched the Vikings’ defense command practices in training camp, and it’s common for defenses to be ahead of offenses during practices — especially when the Vikings’ unit contains so many veterans, while McCarthy is taking some or all of his snaps without three of his most important teammates (wide receiver Justin Jefferson, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Ryan Kelly). Jefferson is unlikely to play Saturday, and the Vikings might keep their linemen out as Darrisaw continues rehab from last year’s knee surgery and while Kelly recovers from an elbow injury. Regardless of who’s on the field, it could be a confidence boost if the Vikings’ offensive starters can string together productive drives against another team.

The Vikings are excited about Isaiah Rodgers as a cover corner, and the free-agent pickup has continued to impress in camp (including with a pass breakup on Thursday). Saturday could give the Vikings their chance to see him and Jeff Okudah in their new nickel package, with Byron Murphy Jr. playing inside. Okudah, the former No. 3 overall pick for the Lions, can reboot his career in Minnesota if he shows he’s refined his coverage and ball-tracking skills, while third-year man Mekhi Blackmon returns from a torn ACL. Undrafted free agent Zemaiah Vaughn could challenge for a roster spot, and Dwight McGlothern would help himself with a strong preseason.

The Vikings traded for Sam Howell with the idea he’d be their No. 2 quarterback; he’ll likely play plenty this preseason as he tries to keep that job from Brett Rypien. Former Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer got lots of work in practice on Thursday; we’ll see how much he plays Saturday, but the Vikings will take a long look at the undrafted rookie this preseason (especially with McCarthy unlikely to play next Saturday against the Patriots).

When the Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart this week, they listed Moore as their top punt returner and Felton as their kick returner. Both have work to do to solidify the jobs: the Vikings need to see if Moore is completely recovered from his 2024 knee injury, while Felton will have to demonstrate consistency as kickoff returns become a bigger part of the game. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said Thursday he expects more than 90% of kickoffs to be returned this season thanks to new rules that move touchbacks to the 35-yard line. Ty Chandler, who’s battling for a roster spot in his fourth year, will also work as a kick returner in the preseason.