Though he has spent countless hours watching film and studying the playbook so he can think the position at a high level, after missing all of last season while he recovered from a torn meniscus, McCarthy has also worked tirelessly on his mechanics so he can actually play the position at a high level.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy isn't technically a rookie because he was drafted in 2024, but he's effectively one after missing his rookie season with a knee injury. McCarthy had surgery on his knee last August and he was competing with Sam Darnold prior to his injury,

The Minnesota Vikings defense has reportedly gotten the upper hand on the second-year quarterback in recent training camp practices.