The Minnesota Vikings enter mandatory minicamp with encouraging news surrounding several key contributors. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is fully healthy and participating without restrictions after dealing with hand and ankle injuries in 2025, while left tackle Christian Darrisaw continues progressing from major knee injuries as the team carefully manages his workload. Rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks remains sidelined while recovering from foot surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp.
Christian Darrisaw - ACL & MCL
Darrisaw continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a knee injury. While his participation during minicamp was limited, head coach Kevin O'Connell said the star left tackle "looks unbelievable" as he works his way back. The Vikings remain optimistic that Darrisaw will be a full participant at training camp, and his progress throughout the offseason suggests he is trending toward being fully ready for the start of the season.
J.J. McCarthy - Hand
McCarthy enters the 2026 season fully healthy after overcoming a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand that limited him late last year, as well as an earlier ankle injury. He has been a full participant throughout Vikings OTAs, taking reps in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills while throwing without any restrictions. McCarthy remains firmly in the competition for the starting quarterback job entering Year 3.
Caleb Banks - Foot
Banks is recovering from a fractured metatarsal in his foot that required surgery this spring. The rookie defensive tackle had a limited role during the offseason program as he focused on rehabilitation. Minnesota is taking a methodical approach with his recovery, but Banks remains on track and is targeting a return for training camp, assuming he continues to progress without setbacks.
