Will Viking' J.J. McCarthy Play Against the Texans in Preseason Game?

Will Viking' J.J. McCarthy Play Against the Texans in Preseason Game? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings will officially enter the J.J. McCarthy era when they take on the Houston Texans in the preseason opener on Saturday. The former Michigan Wolverines quarterback missed his entire rookie season due to an injury.

McCarthy played in the first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders last year. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns before tearing his right knee meniscus. The 22-year-old hopes to put the preseason opener horror behind him and take the franchise to new heights.

The Vikings' QB will not have his primary weapon, Justin Jefferson, who is sidelined owing to a mild hamstring strain. McCarthy will miss the opportunity to play some snaps and build chemistry with the superstar wide receiver. This might result in a reduced playtime for the former first-round pick.

According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, it will be a quick day for McCarthy. The Vikings' head coach, Kevin O'Connell, plans to keep him on the field for only eight to ten snaps.

For #Vikings today, expect a quick day for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, perhaps eight to 10 plays or so @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2025

The franchise sees McCarthy as its franchise quarterback for years to come. They let Sam Darnold, who led them to a 14-3 record last season, walk away in free agency. They also passed the opportunity to land Aaron Rodgers, who eventually joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.

McCarthy's showing today will offer the first real glimpse of whether the Vikings' quarterback gamble will succeed or backfire.

When and Where to Watch Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans?

The Vikings host the Texans on Saturday, August 9, at 4 PM ET at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota fans can tune in to KMSP FOX 9 to enjoy the broadcast, where Paul Allen will call the play. Ben Leber and Pete Bercich are the designated color commentators, and Tatum Everett is the sideline reporter for the fixture.

It’s been way too long, @usbankstadium.#Skolpic.twitter.com/rN1I27OcvK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

Texans fans can tune in to KTRK and ABC-13, where Marc Vandermeer will call every play. Andre Ware is the color analyst, and John Harris is the sideline reporter for the matchup. Viewers can also stream the matchup using NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.