Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy finds himself demoted again
· Yahoo Sports
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy since he won the national title with the University of Michigan.
Minnesota traded up to draft McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft and he was expected to become the Vikings’ next franchise QB. But that has yet to happen and McCarthy continues to find himself demoted.
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Many wondered if McCarthy would be traded or waived following Minnesota’s third preseason game, a game in which McCarthy was held out of. But he remained with the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell has insisted that there is still a role for McCarthy.
MORE: NFL QB power rankings heading into Week 1
McCarthy is QB3
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)However, on Wednesday, O’Connell spoke with the media and has officially named Carson Wentz QB2 behind Kyler Murray, and McCarthy will begin the season as QB3.
O’Connell claimed it’s a week-by-week decision, but entering Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, he feels as if this gives the Vikings the best chance to win, barring an injury to Murray.
It’s now the second time this season that McCarthy has found himself demoted on the Vikings’ depth chart. Once the Vikings signed Murray on a veteran minimum deal, O’Connell cited that there was an open battle at QB and the best man would win the job.
But most people knew that Murray had already won the job. McCarthy didn’t fare overly well in the preseason, overfiring his targets, and while Murray just looked ok in his short stint, he won the job and will be Minnesota’s starter this season.
As the season rolls on, we will see if McCarthy works his way up the depth chart or remains stagnant in the organization.
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