NFL training camp notepad: Vikings aren’t rushing rookie QB J.J. McCarthy

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Charles Robinson is out on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Minnesota Vikings

About the QB

Rookie J.J. McCarthy is on a traditional rookie roller coaster, with positive days and setbacks. But it’s clear there is a seriousness about handling his development carefully. Sam Darnold had a strong camp practice on Friday, and the better he plays, the more patient Minnesota can be with McCarthy. Embrace that as a good thing.

Rookie to watch

All eyes are on McCarthy and first-round edge rusher Dallas Turner, but Minnesota may have two seventh rounders — center Michael Jurgens and defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez — capable of making the team. Rodriguez even raised some eyebrows with first-team defense reps on Friday. If both make the 53-man roster, it’s a huge win for the class.

Keeping my eye on

2022 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor has been impressive and there is a feeling he could be a nice contributor as the third receiver. He plays fast, nicknamed “speedy,” and was expected to make a jump at Michigan State if he’d taken his extra year of pandemic eligibility. He didn’t, and the result looks like a player who is rounding out at the NFL level.

Fantasy thought

Even with Aaron Jones on the roster, there is an abundance of staff confidence in Ty Chandler in the running back rotation. Especially after finishing the season with a strong final four games. This looks like it’s headed for a pretty clear split-backfield rotation. Draft Jones and Chandler with that in mind.

What I saw that was interesting

Wideout Justin Jefferson getting a “vet day” of rest on Wednesday, followed by a day off for the entire team on Thursday showcased the Vikings’ dedicated handling of his hamstring health. While 25 years old is a young age for load management, this is the reality of his four-year, $140 million contract extension. Missing games is not an option.

Wild card

It remains to be seen when tight end T.J. Hockenson can realistically return from his torn ACL injury, although there is optimism he could push the timeline up during the season. One thing is clear: After Jefferson, Hockenson could be the next biggest asset to developing McCarthy, who operated adeptly with tight ends at Michigan. His healthy return is key.