MINNEAPOLIS — After a pair of joint practices with the Vikings, let’s take a look at who’s up, who’s down, and whom to watch ahead of the Patriots’ second preseason game on Saturday afternoon . . .

Not long after McCarthy put forth his best performance of training camp to wrap up joint practices against the Patriots on Thursday, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the quarterback will not suit up a noon exhibition game between the Vikings and New England Patriots.

As joint practices become more prevalent, coaches strongly prefer getting work for their key players there, in lieu of preseason games.

The Minnesota Vikings have seen what they needed to see thus far from second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. On Thursday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed McCarthy won't play in their second preseason game against the New England Patriots Saturday at 1 p.

The Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver depth has taken a hit after the first preseason game, and that should terrify starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy.