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.

J.J. McCarthy was solid in his brief return for the Vikings, going 4 of 7 for 30 yards while leading a scoring drive in his only series and Minnesota topped the Houston Texans 20-10 on Saturday in the teams' preseason opener.