J.J.McCarthy

News: 13 hours agoCoach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Spin: McCarthy's workload in Minnesota's exhibition opener is to be determined. Beyond that, the Vikings "will more than likely" focus on a joint practice with the Patriots next Wednesday, Aug. 13 and then hold out McCarthy in the ensuing preseason contest with New England on Saturday, Aug. 16, as O'Connell told Goessling. How McCarthy looks after that point will determine whether or not he sees game action Friday, Aug. 22 at Tennessee.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McCarthy is entering his de facto rookie campaign after a knee injury cost the 2024 10th overall pick his entire first season in the pros. McCarthy is expected to start in a QB-friendly Kevin O'Connell scheme loaded with targets (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson) that helped Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins to top-12 fantasy campaigns (PPG) during each of O'Connell's three seasons in Minnesota. All three offenses were pass-heavy and scored at least 80% of their TDs through the air. A 22-year-old with no NFL experience, McCarthy is an obvious unknown, but he can add some value with his legs and is well positioned for a productive first season. He's an attractive late-round sleeper target.