J.J. McCarthy Returns Strong as Vikings Defeat Texans 20-10 in Preseason Opener

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Quarterback J.J. McCarthy made a confident return to the field on Saturday night, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans in the preseason opener for both teams.

Back in action after missing his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, McCarthy received a warm ovation from the home crowd. The 2024 first-round pick from Michigan completed 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards and added an 8-yard scramble on fourth down to sustain a 58-yard opening drive that ended in a 48-yard field goal by rookie kicker Will Reichard.

“J.J. looked poised and in control,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell. “Exactly what we wanted to see in his first game back.”

Houston answered quickly. With starter C.J. Stroud sitting out, Davis Mills led a 10-play, 74-yard scoring drive capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Braxton Berrios, giving the Texans a 7-3 lead.

McCarthy played just one series before giving way to backup Sam Howell, who took over for the remainder of the first half. Howell was efficient, completing 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards, and helped Minnesota retake the lead with a 38-yard Reichard field goal and a 1-yard touchdown run of his own, sending the Vikings into halftime up 13-7.

The game wasn’t without setbacks. Newly acquired wide receiver Rondale Moore was carted off in the second quarter after suffering an apparent serious knee injury on a punt return. Moore had missed the entire 2024 season with Atlanta due to a knee injury and was looking to contribute depth to a Vikings receiving corps that will be without Jordan Addison for the first three games due to a suspension.

Defensively, the Vikings sealed the win with two late interceptions of Texans rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, both picked off by Kahlef Hailassie.

Notable Vikings veterans including wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) did not play. For the Texans, running back Nick Chubb, who joined the team this offseason, was also held out after taking a hit to the head during the week.

Up Next:

• Texans: Host the Carolina Panthers next Saturday.
• Vikings: Host the New England Patriots next Saturday.