J.J. McCarthy returns to Vikings action after a 364-day layoff, delivering a confident one-drive sample in Minnesota’s preseason opener against Houston. He moved well in and out of the pocket, escaping pressure and threading a short connection to Addison on his first play, then finding Addison again on an 18-yard throw under duress. An eight-yard scramble on fourth-and-4 to extend the drive highlighted his healthy knee and mobility in an encouraging return.
Jordan Addison quickly showed rapport with McCarthy, catching a quick strike on third down and another deeper ball for 18 yards, highlighting instant chemistry and route discipline. Will Reichard finished the opening possession with a 48-yard field goal, providing the Vikings with early points. Sam Howell took over later in the series for a final one-drive sample. Minnesota signaled intent to lean on McCarthy as the club’s future, with Addison poised to be a fantasy catalyst as the offense grows in this evaluation period.
The outing produced a couple of missteps (a batted RPO and an overthrow) but nothing that undermined the overall trend: McCarthy looked capable, Addison looked like a true weapon, Reichard provided a dependable leg, and the Vikings appear committed to building around their young quarterback. For fantasy managers, that combination supports buying Addison as a high-floor/ceiling option and keeping McCarthy on a longer leash as a potential breakout signal in dynasty/rookie formats.
