It will be an entertaining 2025 season to monitor for the Minnesota Vikings. With a new starting quarterback in J.J. McCarthy to lead the Vikings offense, head coach Kevin O'Connell will look to continue their success throwing the football.
McCarthy, coming off of meniscus surgery that kept him from playing in his rookie season in 2024, will be franchise superstar Justin Jefferson's sixth quarterback he's caught a pass from in the NFL.
The two players haven't been able to play together in the Vikings' first two preseason games, but things can change for Minnesota as they head into their last preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 22.
Justin Jefferson returns to practice on Monday
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Minnesota has been without wide receiver Justin Jefferson the past couple of weeks after he suffered a mild hamstring strain during training camp. The injury hasn't put Jefferson's Week 1 status against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8 at stake, but it was a rising concern as the Vikings will already be without Jordan Addison as he serves a three-game suspension.
However, head coach O'Connell [announced](https://x.com/underdognfl/status/1957517660297834651?s=46) that Jefferson will return to practice this week before the final preseason game of the season.
This is great news for the Vikings, as J.J. McCarthy will be able to continue to build chemistry with arguably the best wideout in the NFL while preparing for his first regular-season start.
McCarthy will be looking to use the numerous amount of weapons on the Vikings' offense for Week 1 that include receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor, tight end T.J. Hockenson, as well as running back Aaron Jones.