Who Should I Start? C.J. Stroud or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, May 30, 8:31 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (pectoral) is not throwing during voluntary OTAs this week. Stroud watched from the sideline on Friday as he's currently nursing a minor pectoral injury. The organization has downplayed this injury. The Texans aren't concerned at all and believe Stroud will increase his activities next week. For now, Davis Mills will run the offense with the first unit until Stroud is feeling better. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned by this as it truly sounds like a minor issue. There is no reason for the Texans to have Stroud practice at less than 100 percent this early into camp.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.