Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has reportedly "checked critical boxes early on" while serving as the club's full-time starter for the first time this summer. That doesn't mean the 2024 first-round draft pick was flawless across his first training camp practices after a meniscus repair sidelined him for his entire rookie season.

The preseason used to be more predictable in terms of when starters would play given the four-game length. Now with three games teams treat the outline differently. NFL Draft Analyst Thor Nystrom has confirmed that the MN Vikings will use JJ McCarthy in game one of the exhibition schedule.

Sam Darnold, Schmam Darnold. Sammy P is all in on the Vikings being just as good as last season, despite having a "rookie" QB under center. See why.