Vikings fans know the struggle all too well. They have been through the frustration of watching their best guys rush back from injuries before they’re 100%, only to get hurt all over again and watch the season go downhill. Remember Garrett Bradbury’s knee and Justin Jefferson’s hamstring problems? Yeah, sometimes patience is everything. But the Vikings seem to have taken a different approach this season.

And so far? Kevin O’Connell seems to be all about learning from those tough past mistakes, as J.J. McCarthy finally returns after tearing his meniscus.

Kevin O’Connell holding back J.J. McCarthy from clocking too many reps in recent practices and preseason games? Totally on purpose. It’s all about keeping McCarthy (and the entire first-team offense safe). O’Connell even said McCarthy “didn’t play longer today because that would’ve meant the rest of the first team had to stay out there longer than I wanted.” Smart.

Because protecting McCarthy is everything. His early 2025 offseason and preseason work make that clear—he’s completed about 63% of his passes in camp drills, showing solid accuracy and smart decision-making even with limited reps. You could argue the entire season hinges on him staying healthy.

And it’s not just about him. If McCarthy stays out there too long, the offense stays on the field longer, and that’s a recipe for fatigue—or worse, injuries—across the unit. By keeping his snaps low, O’Connell is protecting the whole team’s health and keeping everyone fresh for when it counts.

Kevin has learned from the Bradbury incident. That injury happened because Bradbury was rushed back too soon—overexertion, too many reps, and mental fatigue from recovery, all ignored. This time, O’Connell is leaning into a more mature coaching philosophy, and it feels like a breath of fresh air.

McCarthy’s road back was brutal. The kid essentially lost his rookie season before it began, pouring everything into getting back as quickly as possible. Another injury now? That wouldn’t fit the arc—not for him, and not for this team.

McCarthy’s emotional return to the field

McCarthy had been out since August 2024. So when he returned to action in the Vikings‘ preseason opener against the Texans? Of course, it was overwhelming. Right before the game, McCarthy got real about how big the moment was for him. He even had “a little tear drop” before the national anthem.

And the kid’s as humble as they come. He didn’t make it about himself—he took a moment to ask for thoughts and prayers for injured teammates Rondale Moore and Zeke Correll. All about the team.

The road to recovery? Long and grueling. It wasn’t the meniscus itself that required surgery, but the swelling that came with it—that’s what stretched out the timeline. Rehabilitation took months. Yet through it all, he stayed positive, locked in during team meetings, and stayed close with his teammates. By the time the 2025 preseason rolled around, he was fully cleared and chomping at the bit to get back on the field.

In his brief cameo against the Texans, he showed exactly why the Vikings are betting on him. To be fair, they passed on multiple free agents and let Sam Darnold walk—that says plenty. And of course, they’re being careful with him.

After just one drive back on the field, McCarthy’s box score looked solid: 4-of-7 passing for 30 yards, no interceptions, no touchdowns, and one 8-yard run on a single rush. Nothing flashy, but a clear glimpse of what’s coming.

He did it all without WR1 Justin Jefferson, instead showing a strong connection with No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison—a promising sign. That chemistry could pay off big when Addison returns in Week 4 from his three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. If McCarthy stays on the field, he’s set up for a huge season. And with all the caution surrounding him, there’s not much reason to worry.