Here are more takeaways from Day 16 of training camp: After his best performance of camp last week against the New England Patriots, McCarthy experienced some growing pains in his first time going back against his teammates in practice.

While it’s been presumed that veteran Sam Howell, a 17-game starter in Washington two years ago, will be the primary backup, coach Kevin O’Connell on Monday said the competition remains unresolved.

Another Saints free agent is off the market. The Minnesota Vikings are signing a former Saints running back just in time for their preseason finale:

Xavien Howard has previously been linked to the Minnesota Vikings as a cornerback fit, but he has now signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Vikings are signing running back Xazavian Valladay, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports. Valladay became a free agent in June when the Saints cut him. He had stints on the practice squad of the Jets and Saints last season. Valladay was with the Steelers in 2023.

The Vikings defense under Brian Flores is the only one of its kind in the NFL, and shape-shifter Josh Metellus is its embodiment.

The Minnesota Vikings are ranked favorably in ESPN's latest Power Rankings, even if their draft process could be reevaluated after the season.