McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in 2024 but could only watch after his injury as Sam Darnold led a great Vikings season. The pressure is now on McCarthy to try and match or exceed that. If he's indeed able to use his athleticism to its full potential, that'll go a long way toward the Vikings reaching theirs.

Now, those fans have their answer. Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings' head coach, has announced that McCarthy will indeed play on Saturday. However, he did not reveal how much the first-year starter will play.

J.J. McCarthy, last year’s 10th overall pick out of Michigan, has not played in a game since he suffered a knee injury in the 2024 preseason opener.