J.J. McCarthy Out vs. Patriots in NFL Preseason, Sam Howell to Start for Vikings

After getting a handful of reps in the Minnesota Vikings' first preseason game against the Houston Texans, quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be idle this week.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Thursday that McCarthy will not play against the New England Patriots on Saturday and Sam Howell will start under center.

McCarthy played briefly in the Vikings' win over the Texans, completing four of his seven passes for 30 yards and adding an eight-yard run. Howell saw the most action of Minnesota's quarterbacks, throwing for 105 yards on 11-of-13 passing plus a touchdown on the ground.

The Vikings acquired Howell from the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL draft in April, and he will presumably be McCarthy's backup this season. Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, was the Washington Commanders' starter in 2023 but played just three games in Seattle last year.

Along with McCarthy and Howell, Brett Rypien and rookie Max Brosmer got reps in the Vikings' first preseason game.

Minnesota drafted McCarthy 10th overall in 2024, and he was set to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting role, but he suffered a season-ending meniscus injury last August.

The Vikings thrived with Darnold under center as he put together a career year with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record, but he left for the Seahawks in free agency.

Expectations are high for McCarthy after he led Michigan to a national title behind 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, but whether he'll be able to match the success of Darnold a season ago remains to be seen.

For now, he'll look to finish training camp strong as the Vikings prepare to start the season against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8.