McCarthy completed 4 of 7 passes against the Texans for 30 yards and no touchdowns in his first game after 364 days. The 22-year-old is fit and was a full participant in practice sessions ahead of Saturday's preseason matchup against the Patriots.
Is QB J.J. McCarthy Playing Today in Vikings vs. Patriots Preseason Game? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off the J.J. McCarthy era with a 20-10 win against the Houston Texans in the preseason opener. They are set to lock horns with the New England Patriots in their second outing of the season on Saturday.
McCarthy completed 4 of 7 passes against the Texans for 30 yards and no touchdowns in his first game after 364 days. He tore his right knee meniscus in last year's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders and missed his entire rookie season.
The 22-year-old is fit and was a full participant in practice sessions ahead of Saturday's preseason matchup against the Patriots. However, Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell made a disappointing announcement for McCarthy fans.
Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesBrad Rempel-Imagn Images
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, McCarthy will not play on Saturday against the Patriots. Sam Howell will take the QB1 spot for Minnesota.
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell announced J.J. McCarthy will not play Saturday and QB Sam Howell instead will start.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 14, 2025
The Vikings' HC was elated with McCarthy's performance in joint practice sessions with the Patriots.
"To go out there and execute the way he did, it felt decisive," O'Connell said. "It felt incredibly -- an incredible amount of conviction to some of the decisions that he made, location of the football, a lot to build on."
Keeping the former Michigan Wolverines QB away from action seems to be a precautionary move. Most of the teams are choosing to sit out their key players and veterans in the preseason.
Sam Howell completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards and no touchdowns last week. Brett Rypien and undrafted free agent Max Brosmer might also get the chance to display their potential at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Rypien wasn't at his best in the first game of the season, completing only 1 of 4 passes for six yards and no touchdowns. Brosmer impressed the most against the Texans, completing 5 of 8 passes for 47 yards and one TD.
When and Where to Watch Vikings vs. Patriots Preseason Game?
The Patriots are coming off a 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in the preseason opener. Even without McCarthy and Jefferson, it's going to be an exciting battle when they take on the Vikings.
The Vikings will host the Patriots at 1 PM ET on Saturday, August 16, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota fans can tune in to KMSP FOX 9 to enjoy the broadcast, where Paul Allen will call the play. Ben Leber and Pete Bercich are the designated color commentators, and Tatum Everett is the sideline reporter for the fixture.
#NEvsMIN ⏳
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 15, 2025
📍 @usbankstadium
🕒: 12:00 p.m.
📺: @FOX9 | @NFL +
📻: @KFAN1003
Patriots fans can watch on the Patriots Preseason Television Network, with flagship WBZ-TV CBS in Boston. Devin and Jason McCourty headline the broadcast booth, joined by veteran analyst Scott Zolak. Paul Perillo provides in-game analysis, and Steve Burton is the sideline reporter.
Viewers can also stream the matchup using NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo TV. KFAN (100.3-FM), KTLK 1130-AM, and 98.5 The Sports Hub are some of the audio streaming options.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football