Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy impresses in first competitive practice since torn meniscus
By Alec Lewis
May 29, 2025 4:02 am MDT
EAGAN, Minn. — The video probably exists somewhere. Maybe the Minnesota Vikings have it on their internal systems, or perhaps a local television reporter captured it live.
Last summer, during an otherwise subdued training camp practice, J.J. McCarthy hurled a pass to tight end Nick Muse. It was a competitive rep on a side field. Following the completion, an acrobatic snag near the left sideline, McCarthy raced down the field and chest-bumped the 6-foot-5, 252-pound Muse.
The reaction felt organic. It seemed like the boyish, young quarterback got more caught up in the competition the deeper the Vikings extended into training camp. He ripped in-breakers. He offered philosophical quotes in press conferences. The more reps he received and the more times he executed plays successfully, the more comfortable he grew being himself.
That throw and the eventual response are now a meaningful data point. If that’s what McCarthy looked like when he began to build some momentum — in both his eyes and the minds of coaches — how does the present compare?
Overreacting to one afternoon of organized team activities would be foolish. But on Wednesday, on the practice field inside the TCO Performance Center, McCarthy resembled his former self in almost every way. No, the 22-year-old was not doing any chest-bumping. This was more about his arm, his comfort and his command.
“He’s done an unbelievable job,” said coach Kevin O’Connell. “You forget the fact (that) this is his first runway since the injury. It’s a credit to the work he put in.”
O’Connell’s praise is not a declaration. The Vikings aren’t naming McCarthy the starter in late May based on a 35-yard completion over the middle to superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. McCarthy won’t be crowned because he connected with receiver Jordan Addison on the wide side of the field from the opposite hash. Completing a slant to receiver Jalen Nailor doesn’t validate anything. Checking the ball down to running back Aaron Jones does not mean the Vikings are destined for the Super Bowl.
This is mostly a minuscule — albeit relevant — early observation. McCarthy’s throws spiraled the same way they did last year. He absorbed the play verbiage, stepped into the huddle, spit out the calls, walked to the line of scrimmage, hollered out the cadence and urgently progressed through reads. He did all of the things you have to do, with few hiccups, to be a successful quarterback in this league.
Even when there were hiccups, the Vikings staff approved. Here’s why: When it comes to optimal quarterback development, O’Connell does not see much value in making it easy on them. They must try, fail and learn.
Attempting to fit the ball into tight end Bryson Nesbit over a defender and watching the throw whiz past Nesbit’s fingertips is not a problem. Shuffling six steps into a drop instead of four on a particular play, throwing off the timing of the route concepts, is part of the process.
“We’re constantly making it feel like he’s growing,” O’Connell said, “but it’s never about him being comfortable or satisfied on any particular outcome because we’re building toward something much greater than a play here or there.”
O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown agreed this spring not to assume anything with McCarthy. They implemented a hefty amount of playbook inventory. McCarthy has surprised them frequently with recall from his rookie season. Other times, they’ve reviewed essential details. It’s all part of the current phase O’Connell describes as “learning and teaching.”
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They’re all benefiting from the team’s attendance. Players like Jefferson, who do not have to show up for these voluntary sessions, are not only present but engaged. Tight end T.J. Hockenson arrived in phenomenal shape, and Nailor morphed into a stouter receiver this offseason. Their presence works twofold. It prevents some of these practices from becoming monotonous. It also allows McCarthy to simulate realistic timing.
Especially in seven-on-seven drills, McCarthy will drop back and methodically eye the route progression. He uses these reps to synchronize his footwork with the speed of the route concepts. After practice, McCarthy evaluates the film of the throws twice. First, he’ll scan through them during his post-practice treatment sessions. Then later in the night, he’ll dissect them more intensely. Meetings with coaches the next day reinforce the opportunity for learning.
McCarthy won’t see many misses from Wednesday’s practice. He dropped a beautiful back-shoulder throw to Nailor down the right sideline, and later, he effectively anticipated an out-breaking route to Addison.
Once he finished a post-practice weightlifting session, McCarthy held a 10-minute news conference.
“First off, I’d just like to say that it’s been a great start to the offseason,” he began.
McCarthy expressed his gratitude for being back on the field with teammates in a competitive environment. One reporter asked how he balances his eagerness and patience. McCarthy offered the type of explanation that had become customary throughout last year’s introduction before he tore his meniscus.
“Everyone wants to be perfect, especially at the quarterback position,” McCarthy said. “The more you try to be perfect, it’s going to kill you more than your imperfections will.”
In other words, he sounded like himself as well.
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