J.J. McCarthy’s latest preseason showcase ended earlier than expected.  

The injury-plagued former first-round draft choice was seemingly originally planned for a longer stint in the Vikings’ latest preseason effort but McCarthy was “banged up” during Saturday’s 13-3 loss to the Ravens.

McCarthy started and played the entire first quarter, totaling 18 offensive snaps before veteran Carson Wentz replaced him.

“Maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was at snap-count-wise. But once he was a little hobbled there … I’m sure I’ll have an update for you, but he seemed to be fine,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.

O’Connell never provided any specifics in relation to the injury, or injuries, but teams are obviously known and expected to proceed with caution during the preseason.

McCarthy completed 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards and did not score a touchdown in the game.

He also overthrew a wide open Myles Price while deep in the red zone.

McCarthy, of course, will not enter the season as the starting quarterback — that distinction will go to former Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray, who was named the Vikings’ QB1 earlier this month.

Murray is signed to just a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Minnesota, although he is still guaranteed nearly $37 million from Arizona this season.

McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024, missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus.

He did make 10 starts last year, though he was also limited due to suffering a high ankle sprain and later a small hairline fracture.

He finished his first year playing NFL football completing just 57.6 percent of his passes, recording 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while accumulating 1,632 passing yards.