“He didn’t play longer today because that would’ve meant the rest of the first team had to stay out there longer than I wanted.” That was Kevin O’Connell’s explanation after JJ McCarthy’s limited preseason snaps. The Vikings have learned the hard way what happens when stars rush back too soon. Garrett Bradbury’s knee, Justin Jefferson’s hamstring. The memories still sting. This year, O’Connell wasn’t taking that risk with his rookie quarterback fresh off a meniscus tear.

O’Connell stressed that this wasn’t a criticism of McCarthy’s ability — it was roster management. The coach made a conscious decision to limit the rookie’s workload so the entire first-team offense wouldn’t have to stay on the field longer than planned, a standard precaution teams use when a starter is return

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