But at the start of the Vikings' 2025 season program on Monday, April 21, O'Connell made McCarthy's outlook abundantly clear. Offering an update on several players recovering from long-term injuries, O'Connell, unpromoted, cleared McCarthy to enter the offseason program.

Right now, Minnesota only has Brett Rypien alongside McCarthy in the quarterback room. Aaron Rodgers was a possible addition for some of the offseason before the Vikings decided to move on from the race for the veteran quarterback. The team could still be eyeing some other veteran quarterbacks to sign as potential backups for McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy spent the entire 2024 season on the sidelines because of a torn meniscus in his right knee, but the Minnesota Vikings quarterback will be a full participant in the team's offseason program.