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Tag: JJ McCarthy

QB Carson Wentz to visit Vikings as team explores veteran depth

Carson Wentz is trying to work his way back into the NFL, and his latest opportunity may come with the Minnesota Vikings. According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, the veteran quarterback is visiting the Vikings as the team evaluates its quarterback depth heading into the 2025 regular season.

Minnesota isn’t desperate for help under center, but questions remain pertaining the team’s depth under center, especially behind JJ McCarthy. Bringing in a seasoned veteran like Wentz makes sense. The 32-year-old remains unsigned as the preseason wraps up, and this visit could mark the next step toward a return to the league.

The Vikings quarterback news this offseason included the departure of Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. That left McCarthy, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, as the expected starter — a role he never got to assume last year due to injury. The former Michigan standout and national champion is clearly the franchise’s focus moving forward, but surrounding him with experienced depth is now on the table.

Minnesota acquired Sam Howell during April’s draft and initially penciled him in as the likely No. 2. But Howell was held out of the team’s preseason finale, leaving Max Brosmer and Brett Rypien to take the snaps. Both quarterbacks face long odds to crack the 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s cut deadline.

Wentz last played on Jan. 5, 2025, starting for the Kansas City Chiefs in their 38–0 loss to the Denver Broncos to close the 2024-2025 regular season. He completed 10-of-17 passes for 98 yards in that game — his only appearance of the year.

Since his five-year stint with Philadelphia ended, Wentz has made one-year stops with the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams and Chiefs. Once seen as a franchise cornerstone, the 2017 MVP candidate now profiles as a veteran backup who brings 94 career starts and postseason experience — traits the Vikings may value as McCarthy returns from a year-long absence.

The move would also reunite Wentz with a familiar face: quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. McCown played behind Wentz during the 2019 season in Philadelphia and joined Minnesota’s coaching staff in 2024.

With more than $30 million in cap space and four quarterbacks already on the roster, Minnesota has the flexibility to sign Wentz if his visit goes well. Whether it results in a deal or not, the Vikings’ interest underscores their desire to reinforce the room behind McCarthy — and potentially turn to a proven veteran if needed.

For more NFL coverage and quarterback updates throughout the preseason, stay locked in to OutOfSightSports.

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Justin Jefferson returning to Vikings practice amid hamstring injury rehab

The Minnesota Vikings received encouraging news this week when head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Justin Jefferson will return to practice as he continues rehabbing a hamstring injury.

“It will be kind of a ramp-up,” O’Connell told reporters in a clip posted to the Vikings’ official X account, formerly known as Twitter. “You’ll see him take part in bits and pieces of it.”

Jefferson’s return is significant for Minnesota, especially with wideout Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the season after violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy. With rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy preparing for his first professional start, having Jefferson available gives the offense stability and star power during a crucial stretch.

Key boost before Week 1

Minnesota kicks off its season on September 8 against the Chicago Bears, and Jefferson’s presence on the field suggests he will be ready for the regular-season opener. Easing him back during camp ensures he is healthy when the games matter most.

The LSU product has already built a resume as one of the league’s premier receivers. His accolades include an Offensive Player of the Year award, two First-Team All-Pro selections, and four Pro Bowl nods in just five seasons.

Consistent dominance

Jefferson has never posted fewer than 1,000 receiving yards in a season, even when missing seven games in 2023 due to injury. Last year, he recorded 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, cementing his place among the NFL’s elite playmakers.

As he returns to practice, the Vikings’ focus is on ensuring long-term availability rather than preseason reps. The priority is clear: get Jefferson fully ready to support McCarthy and lead the offense once Week 1 arrives.

Outlook moving forward

If Jefferson can remain healthy, Minnesota’s offense will be far more dangerous, especially once Addison returns from suspension. The combination of a proven superstar and young talent gives McCarthy a strong supporting cast to navigate his rookie year.

For now, Jefferson’s return to the practice field provides a major lift for the Vikings and signals positive momentum as the 2025 season approaches.

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J.J. McCarthy to start Vikings’ Preseason opener vs. Texans

Minnesota Vikings fans will finally get their first in-game look at quarterback J.J. McCarthy this weekend.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed to sources at ESPN’s Kevin Seifert Monday that the former first-round pick will play in the team’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Saturday. The moment marks a full-circle return for McCarthy, who missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a right knee injury during his debut preseason game last year.

Now fully healthy, McCarthy has been taking all first-team reps in training camp and enters the 2025 season as the presumed starter.

“You’d love to play him as much as possible,” O’Connell also told Seifert, while noting that reps will be carefully managed with joint practices scheduled next week against the Patriots. “We’ll assess that final preseason game as it comes.”

O’Connell did not say how many snaps McCarthy will play against Houston, nor did he confirm if the rookie will appear in future preseason contests. However, the decision to start him this early signals strong confidence in McCarthy’s recovery and readiness.

Last preseason, former starter Sam Darnold played just one series in the opener before sitting out the final two games. The current quarterback rotation features Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and rookie Max Brosmer, but McCarthy remains the focal point as Minnesota begins to shape its offense for 2025.

After a year of waiting, Vikings fans will finally see what their young signal-caller can bring to the field—starting Saturday in Houston.

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