The time has finally come for J.J. McCarthy to solidify himself as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus.

McCarthy, Minnesota's first-round pick in 2024 — who missed all of last season with a knee injury and is taking over as the team's starting quarterback this season — played just one series against the Houston Texans on Saturday. McCarthy was fine, throwing inaccurately a couple times but doing enough to move the offense and get a field goal.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report believes that because he didn't play in 2024, McCarthy's 2025 season should be treated as his rookie season. McCarthy is ranked last among the six quarterbacks in expected improvement because of his lost rookie year.