Vikings Preseason: McCarthy's Return, Position Battles, and Injury Concerns

Vikings Preseason: McCarthy's Return, Position Battles, and Injury Concerns

The Minnesota Vikings' preseason schedule for the 2025 season has been a significant event, with a focus on the development of key players and an evaluation of the team's depth.

Preseason Schedule and Results

The Vikings' preseason consists of three games:

• Week 1: The Vikings hosted the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won the game 20-10.
• Week 2: The Vikings will host the New England Patriots on Saturday, August 16, at U.S. Bank Stadium.
• Week 3: The team will travel to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans on Friday, August 22, at Nissan Stadium.

Week 1 Game vs. Houston Texans

Courtesy: Getty Images

The preseason opener against the Texans provided the first look at several players in game action.

• J.J. McCarthy's Return: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy made his return to the field after missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury. In his limited action, he led a scoring drive, completing 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards and using his legs for a crucial first down on a 4th-and-4 play.
• Backup Quarterback Competition: The battle for the backup quarterback role is a key storyline. Sam Howell, who played the rest of the first half after McCarthy's series, was highly efficient, completing 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards. Rookie Max Brosmer, a former Minnesota Gophers quarterback, also performed well, throwing a late touchdown pass. Brett Rypien, however, struggled in his limited time.
• Injury Concerns: The game was marked by two significant injuries. Wide receiver Rondale Moore, who was expected to compete for a depth role, was carted off the field with a lower leg injury. Undrafted rookie center Zeke Correll also suffered a fractured ankle, potentially ending his season.
• Standout Performances: Several players made strong cases for a roster spot. Undrafted linebacker Gabriel Murphy was a disruptive force, recording two sacks and multiple quarterback hits. Running back Zavier Scott had a standout performance, challenging Ty Chandler for the RB3 job. Wide receiver Lucky Jackson also had a strong showing, which could be particularly important given the injury to Moore and the three-game suspension for Jordan Addison.

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