McCarthy’s Preseason Struggle Highlights Vikings’ Depth Concerns

In a 13‑3 preseason defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota’s starting quarterback J. J. McCarthy was limited to just 18 snaps after a rough first quarter that left him "banged up," according to coach Kevin O'Connell. The injury‑laden performance underscored the Vikings’ need to assess depth at the quarterback position before the regular season. While McCarthy’s limited action prevented a full evaluation of his game‑day readiness, the incident signals that the Vikings may need to bolster their backup options and refine their offensive line protection schemes. The loss also offers a glimpse into how the team might handle adversity in the weeks ahead.