J.J. McCarthy is back. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback returned to the gridiron for Saturday's preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, marking his first appearance since suffering a knee injury in the preseason last year that ended his 2024 season before it truly began.

Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy suited up in an NFL preseason game Saturday for the first time in 364 days. The Minnesota Vikings’ No. 10 overall pick in 2024 lost his rookie season to a knee injury suffered in last year’s preseason debut, but he was all smiles after Saturday’s 20-10 win over the Houston Texans.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — J.

Jalen Mills played for the Jets last season and will give the Texans extra depth in secondary that has been hit with injuries at safety.

Mills, 31, brings nine seasons of NFL experience to Houston with his most recent stop with the New York Jets in 2024

Texans add veteran safety Jalen Mills to their defense with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jimmie Ward both out of commission