J.J. McCarthy Applauded By NFL Fans in Return from Knee Injury for Vikings vs. Texans

J.J. McCarthy is back.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback returned to the gridiron for Saturday's preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, marking his first appearance since suffering a knee injury in the preseason last year that ended his 2024 season before it truly began.

His time in Saturday's game was short-lived, as he only played on the team's opening drive. He went 4-of-7 for 30 yards and added eight yards when he rushed for a first down.

He was substituted for Sam Howell on the next drive. Following his exit, fans took to social media to praise his play and return.

McCarthy spent the 2024 season recovering and learning while the Vikings rode Sam Darnold to a 14-3 record. Now they will turn the keys over to the Michigan product, so lightening his workload in the preseason was clearly the approach.

While it wasn't a very long outing, the 2024 first-round pick showcased his skill set and avoided injury. That's something he and the Vikings can feel happy about.