Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy talks with head coach Kevin O'Connell during a practice last month. (Abbie Parr/The Associated Press)
Second on McCarthy’s list was resetting his body to prepare for the wear-and-tear of the regular season.
After missing last season with a torn meniscus suffered in a preseason game, McCarthy said his right knee “feels honestly stronger than ever” and was never bothersome during spring workouts. On Monday, he passed his routine team physical — separate from those specifically for his knee, which he cleared earlier this year.
Nothing about McCarthy’s movements throughout open practices indicated otherwise. He moved every way a quarterback might be asked to, albeit without the true pressure of a 300-pound defensive lineman bearing down on him.
Third on McCarthy’s list is those throwing sessions he said he’ll track his teammates down for if he has to, though it’s unlikely that will be necessary.
“I’m here to conversate about different things he sees on the field, and I’m also there for him off the field as well, just being a friend, a guy that understands his position, understands that he has a lot going on,” Jefferson said. “Once we pick things back up, definitely will get out there with him to build that connection and continue just working on that chemistry.”