The Minnesota Vikings will play two preseason games at U.S. Bank Stadium this summer, and fans hoping to see quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his first live game action since 2024 will want to snag tickets to one of those games in particular.
Per NFL analyst Thor Nystrom of Fantasy Life, the Vikings plan to start McCarthy in their Aug. 9 preseason opener against the Houston Texans (home, 3 p.m. CST kickoff), but will sit him against both the Patriots (home, Aug. 16) and Titans (away, Aug. 22) with some combination of Sam Howell, Max Brosmer and Brett Rypien leading the team under center.
I can confirm something that the Vikings have strongly hinted at -- JJ McCarthy will play in the first preseason game (vs HOU/Aug 9), but the plan is to sit him out in the last 2 (vs NEP/Aug 16 | at TEN/Aug 22).
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) July 28, 2025
The best preseason value for fans this summer is that Texans home game on Aug. 9, and Minnesota's joint practices with the New England Patriots from Aug. 13-14. Tickets for both events are available on the Vikings’ training camp website.
How many series McCarthy plays vs. the Texans is not yet known, but Minnesota will want to get their 22-year-old QB some live reps after revamping the interior offensive line this offseason. The availability of key players like left tackle Chrisitan Darrisaw (knee) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) could play a factor, as could recent history. Last year’s starter, Sam Darnold, played only the opening series of the first preseason game (12 total plays) before sitting out until the regular season opener.
McCarthy relieved Darnold in the first quarter of last year’s preseason debut against the Raiders and wound up completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and a 116.8 QB rating. He tossed an interception on his first series before settling in and putting on a show for the home fans that day.
The excitement was short-lived, however, as Minnesota announced days later that McCarthy would undergo surgery for a torn meniscus, ending his rookie season.
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