J.J. McCarthy ‘fired up’ to play in Vikings preseason game, his first since injury a year ago

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy broke into a grin and let out a chuckle before saying yes, he is excited to go against a defense that is not the Vikings’ own this weekend.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun,” McCarthy said Wednesday after practice. “It’s gonna be a good test for us.”

It’s been a bumpy road at times for the young signal-caller going against a Vikings defense that returns many starters and has been preaching a mantra of “More is required” even after a strong 2024.

The Vikings’ preseason bout with the Texans will be a breath of fresh air.

The game also marks one of the final boxes in McCarthy’s return from the torn meniscus that robbed him of his rookie season.

“Oh, I was fired up,” McCarthy said of finding out he will play Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. “Obviously last year, it was the last time I played football for that year. To be out there with the guys again before Monday night [Week 1 against the Bears], it’s extremely huge.”

That anticipatory fire has been starting to steam out at recent days of practice, showing just how ready McCarthy is for what will likely be only a series or two of reps against the Texans.

“I know they would do the same thing for me,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “Just as a QB and a former hockey player — I used to be the enforcer out there, believe it or not — I love that stuff, letting my teammates know I got their back. ‘Cause I know they’ve got mine.”

McCarthy has also been flashing his running ability — which he said he wished he could keep “on the low” — extending plays on scrambles. On Wednesday, he chased down Blake Cashman after being intercepted by the linebacker while targeting Jordan Addison on a late read over the middle of the field.

Veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill said McCarthy got on the offensive line in a huddle Wednesday, too, for some procedural issues during team drills. The Vikings have received a few false-start flags as backup center Michael Jurgens has taken additional reps the past two practices.

The show of leadership was one O’Neill said made him happy, and points again to McCarthy’s passion as game reps grow nearer.

It also aligned with what McCarthy said was his priority for his time on the field Saturday: Making sure the starting offense, or as close to it as the Vikings will get in the preseason, functions as a cohesive unit with “one heartbeat.”

Hockenson participated in both individual and team drills, though at times on the sideline or out of action he looked to still be working through the injury.

Center Ryan Kelly was out for the second straight practice with an elbow issue but is expected to start working back in Thursday, O’Connell said.

Safety Josh Metellus (ankle/foot), wide receiver Justin Jefferson and defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (unknown) also missed practice.

Hargrave may have been on another veteran rest day; O’Connell said Monday the 32-year-old took one Saturday.

Undrafted free agent wide receiver Robert Lewis, who has missed a few practices for an unknown reason, was seen on the rehab field with trainers.

The Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart of the season Wednesday morning ahead of Saturday afternoon’s preseason game against the Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

It largely consists of returning and expected starters, many of whom won’t play much Saturday.

But there was some clarity on who the coaching staff views as having the upper hand in a few position battles that have been ongoing through camp.

Receiver Rondale Moore is listed as the No. 1 punt returner and rookie receiver Tai Felton as the No. 1 kick returner.

There’s been a contingent of returners at camp that also includes running back Ty Chandler, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and receiver Silas Bolden.

“We feel like this is the type of player that’s going to work to define a role for himself because he brings a lot to the table,” Vikings senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson said at the time.