Should I Start J.J. McCarthy?

Kevin O'Connell Non-Committal On Potential Competition For J.J. McCarthy

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.

Start Justin Fields or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Trevor Lawrence or J.J. McCarthy?

Start C.J. Stroud or J.J. McCarthy?

Start J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye?

Start Tua Tagovailoa or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Matthew Stafford or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Geno Smith or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Bryce Young or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Michael Penix Jr. or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy?

Start J.J. McCarthy or Cam Ward?

Start Anthony Richardson or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Tyler Shough or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Russell Wilson or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Mason Rudolph or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Daniel Jones or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Joe Flacco or J.J. McCarthy?

Start J.J. McCarthy or Jaxson Dart?

Start Kenny Pickett or J.J. McCarthy?

Start Dillon Gabriel or J.J. McCarthy?