“As his rehab has picked up, we noticed a little swelling in there, and just with the time that we do have, he’s been doing everything we’ve asked of him, and improving, getting stronger, all those things.” That’s how Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell summed up JJ McCarthy‘s situation last year. The kid tore his meniscus and missed his entire rookie season, which was tough. Now, with 2025 around the corner, it’s fair that fans are anxious. Everyone wants to know where JJ stands. So, O’Connell is back again with a steady and realistic answer, which might not be very thrilling, but is hopeful enough for now….

Kevin O’Connell joined The Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday to talk about the offseason and their quarterback, JJ McCarthy. And he had nothing but praise for the young QB, as he couldn’t stop smiling when talking about McCarthy. No doubt, you could just feel how proud he was. It’s because from day one, even before his injury, McCarthy showed up with fire, full of energy, eager to grow. And man, he was getting better every single day.

Talking more about him, especially this offseason, the coach highlighted, “He’s having a great start to his offseason program. Just the journey he’s been on from the moment that really…. before the injury, this guy comes in here, you know (how) incredible amount of energy and excitement (was) for him coming here last year, and he was getting better every single day. The growth from day one of rookie mini camp this time last year, coming up this weekend, last year, all the way through, his first performance in the preseason game, his growth in practice, playing against a really good defense every day, there was a lot to be excited about as Sam (Howell) was having a great camp, so was JJ and that was a really good thing for the Minnesota Vikings.”

Not only that! O’Connell also talked about how bad he felt when JJ McCarthy was hit with that injury. He quipped, “At the time he had the injury, Rich, as you know, nobody was more crushed about that than me, probably second to JJ. He really had to deal with what that was like to have the game taken away. ‘I’ve got to focus solely on my rehab. I want to be out there with my guys. There’s nothing I love more.’ He had to really laser his focus and center on getting healthy. And he did that.”

So, now as per his progress, “He’s able to attack the off-season, once the season kind of ended, and really be in this building every day.” Praising the quarterback more, the HC said, “He’s bigger, he’s stronger. I can see it in his arm. I can see it in his movements. I can see just the ownership of playing quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. He gained a lot from last year, albeit not how we all drew it up. But he’s already showing early on here. Today was our third day of phase two on the grass. But I think all his teammates feel it. I know the coaches do, myself included. And now we can just build and build and build and progress towards when we get our first competitive opportunity, come training camp.”

So, yeah, from rookie minicamp to preseason games, JJ McCarthy’s progress was real. He rehabbed like a pro, stayed in the building, and worked nonstop. Now, as per O’Connell, he’s back – bigger, stronger, with a better arm and a clearer sense of who he is as the Vikings‘ quarterback. McCarthy’s presence is louder now in the franchise, and there’s real excitement to see how far he’ll go once training camp hits. Meanwhile, besides JJ McCarthy, Kevin O’Connell also talked about Sam Howell.

JJ McCarthy or Sam Howell: Who will be the starter?

The Vikes acquired Sam Howell in a draft-day trade with the Seattle Seahawks. His entry signaled a potential competition between him and JJ McCarthy. And the HC didn’t sugarcoat it while talking about the quarterback situation in Minnesota. When asked if McCarthy and Howell were in a battle for the starting job, he made one thing clear – it’s too early to call it a competition.

He said, “JJ will be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization. Right now, we really don’t have any feelings on competition as much as we’ve got an obligation as coaches to put our players in a position to attack that competition phase. (But) Sam [Howell] will be a part of it.” So, right now, they’re not even allowed to line defenders up across the offense, so it’s all about learning, growing, and getting the reps in. But he did say McCarthy is in a great spot to rise and take charge. Howell’s in the mix too, sure, but this phase is about setting the stage for camp, not making declarations.

And while the Vikings aren’t officially handing JJ McCarthy the QB1 job yet, it’s kind of obvious he’s the guy they’re grooming for it. He missed last season with that injury, and the focus now is on coaching him up and getting him ready. Let’s be honest – unless something wild happens, it’s hard to picture anyone but McCarthy under center come Week 1.