Vikings name Carson Wentz backup quarterback, J.J. McCarthy as QB No. 3 for Week 1
- On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that veteran Carson Wentz will serve as backup to starting quarterback Kyler Murray, relegating J.J. McCarthy to third string for Sunday's season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
- Although the Vikings drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick two years ago, a rookie season lost to injury and inconsistent play prompted the franchise to seek alternatives, subsequently signing Murray following his departure from the Arizona Cardinals.
- O'Connell noted that Wentz, with nearly 100 career starts, "gives us the best chance to win." Murray started five games last year, completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
- The head coach added that the backup arrangement is a "week-to-week" matter, not necessarily indicative of a season-long plan. The team carried four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster before moving Max Brosmer to the practice squad.
- Despite the demotion, O'Connell remains optimistic about the 23-year-old's development, calling McCarthy a "beacon of energy for this team." The organization intends to continue working with the young player as he navigates this career adjustment.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Minnesota Vikings surprisingly demote former first-round pick JJ McCarthy to third string
J.J. McCarthy dropped to third-string quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings as Carson Wentz was named the backup behind starter Kyler Murray for Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.
Syracuse NY
Alabama LiveFormer NFL top-10 pick relegated to ‘emergency’ role after losing QB competition
J.J. McCarthy lost the Minnesota Vikings’ starting job to Kyler Murray. Now he’s been passed over again, landing as the team’s third-string quarterback behind backup Carson Wentz.
Vikings Have Demoted J.J. McCarthy To Third String, Announce Carson Wentz Will Be Backup QB
Not only is J.J. McCarthy not the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback but he’s apparently not their backup quarterback, either. On Wednesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that McCarthy will not, in fact, be Murray’s backup for the time being. That job will instead go to Carson Wentz. As for McCarthy? He’ll be the team’s […]
Perham Focus
Vikings name Carson Wentz as backup QB
Kevin O’Connell said the depth chart isn’t set in stone behind Kyler Murray
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Vikings name Carson Wentz QB2 over J.J. McCarthy
By Field Level Media Sep 09 (Field Level Media) - Former starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy was officially demoted to third on the Minnesota Vikings' depth chart Wednesday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that veteran Carson Wentz will back up s...
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