Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Carson Beck
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Sunday, August 23, 7:32 AM
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy would have played longer in Saturday's preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens if he had not gotten "banged up" during a rough first quarter, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. McCarthy only played 18 offensive snaps over four series in the first quarter and struggled with his accuracy while taking three hits and a sack. O'Connell was hoping to send McCarthy out for at least one more possession. The Vikings have not revealed a specific injury, but it is notable after several injury-plagued seasons in Minnesota to begin his NFL career after he was taken 10th overall out of Michigan in 2024. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed seven games in 2025 with a high right-ankle sprain and a concussion. He also missed time with a hairline fracture in his right hand. He finished 5-for-10 passing for 81 yards against Baltimore on Saturday. While McCarthy might be banged up, it is unlikely that he will not be ready for the start of the regular season in several weeks as the QB2 behind Kyler Murray.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Carson Beck News
Thursday, August 20, 4:30 PM
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) is not expected to play in the second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Beck suffered a rib injury during the Hall of Fame game in early August. The injury was deemed not serious, but he will miss his second preseason game this season. Beck showed promise in that game against the Carolina Panthers, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. With Beck unlikely to be available and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett sitting with most of the starters, veteran Gardner Minshew will start on Saturday. The third-round pick hopes to return next week in their final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Carson Beck
Still trying to decide between McCarthy and Beck? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 1.5 points this week while Carson Beck is projected to score 2.1 points.
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