Training camps bring stories to life, but few grab attention like a rookie quarterback linking up with an elite receiver. This summer in Eagan, the Minnesota Vikings stole the show as first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy and star Justin Jefferson got their first taste of teamwork. In fact, in July, the WR mentioned that McCarthy had great arm strength, which isn’t too hard to believe. The QB recorded a velocity of 61 miles per hour at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. However, Jefferson also had some feedback for him:

To slow the ball down and put some more touch on it. That advice made sense because McCarthy’s touch was not exactly right during OTAs and minicamp. And as per the latest reports, the quarterback still needs to make these changes. The team is just three days away from their first preseason game, and this is what A to Z Sports reported about the signal-caller:

JJ McCarthy will start for the Vikings, but what the team needs the most from him is consistency and finesse. “McCarthy was solid for the majority of practice, flashing his arm strength by hitting a tight window during team drills. One area he struggled was throwing fades during individual periods. He was a little too strong with most of his throws. Not much of a concern right now, but it’s noteworthy,” Tyler Forness from A to Z Sports wrote.

“Later on during red zone drills, McCarthy threw an interception to Blake Cashman, who ripped it out of Jordan Addison’s hands. It should have been a better place ball by McCarthy, who I believe is at fault for the turnover.”

McCarthy’s tendency to overthrow in red zone drills could be a problem later on. Examples include a high pass to tight end Josh Oliver during practice and sideline throws that forced Addison out of bounds. JJ McCarthy’s problem isn’t just missing targets. As ESPN’s training camp coverage explained, he has been “missing by inches” in tight red zone situations where accuracy can’t slip. Head coach Kevin O’Connell tried to handle the situation, saying, “the sky has not fallen” after a few tough stretches during full-contact practice.

Now it’s whether the QB can slow down rather than muscle every throw through defenders. On the other hand, Justin Jefferson hasn’t practiced since July 25, when he suffered a hamstring issue on his left leg.

What did Vikings HC say regarding Justin Jefferson’s injury?

Kevin O’Connell spoke to reporters about Justin Jefferson’s health and made it clear they’re walking a fine line. Jefferson has a mild left hamstring strain, which is not related to the right hamstring issue that kept him out of seven games in 2023. “He certainly looks healthy when he’s trying to tackle me pre-practice here,” O’Connell said. “He’s clearly building up to the point where he’s going to be 100% and we’re going to get him back out there.”

But as of now, it seems unlikely that the WR will be seen playing in any of Minnesota’s three preseason games. He is yet to return to full practice but has been working with his trainers. That’s a small sign of progress. And for now, his aim is to “just making sure that I’m fully healthy and good to go, especially when the season starts.”

Last month, HC O’Connell said they were being cautious with the WR but saw “no concerns in regards to the [season] opener.” So currently, the receiver will have to focus on his health. Up until this point in his career, except for the 2023 season, Jefferson has remained healthy. He has played almost every regular-season game, with 2023 being the only exception.

Do you think he will come back by the regular season? Let us know in the comments below.