Vikings brass vow J.J. McCarthy's story 'not yet written'

General manager Nolan Teasley confirmed on Wednesday that he expected the 23-year-old quarterback to be on the roster for the opening game of the season against the Green Bay Packers.

Teasley was not willing to specify McCarthy's position in the depth chart, however, with Kyler Murray already named as QB1 and Carson Wentz representing another option for the QB2 spot.

McCarthy cleared to practice

McCarthy's roster spot was not assured following another pre-season disrupted by injury.

The former first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft played in the first two of the Vikings' pre-season games. In the second, against the Baltimore Ravens, he left the field after the first quarter.

Kevin O'Connell explained at the time that his quarterback was carrying a knock. McCarthy insisted that he was not expecting a prolonged absence, but he was ultimately unable to take part in the final pre-season game.

His ankle injury was considered to be day-to-day. Teasley has since confirmed that McCarthy took full part in Minnesota's last two training sessions.

NFL

A career constantly held back by injuries

Selected in the first round by the Vikings in 2024, McCarthy has not yet had the opportunity to establish himself in the NFL.

A torn meniscus sustained during the summer of 2024 ruled him out for his entire rookie season. In 2025, ankle and hand injuries, as well as a concussion, prevented him from stringing games together.

McCarthy has therefore started just 10 games since joining the league, and his lack of consistency and health issues led Minnesota to sign Kyler Murray during the offseason.

The coaching staff had initially left the QB competition open before Kevin O'Connell chose Murray as the starter at the beginning of training camp.

What is McCarthy's role behind Murray?

David Berding / Stringer

While his place on the roster now appears to be secure, McCarthy's exact position remains uncertain.

Teasley declined to confirm whether he would begin the season as QB2. Carson Wentz is also on the 53-man roster and could be preferred if the Vikings are looking for an experienced option behind Murray.

This uncertainty does not prevent the general manager from continuing to champion McCarthy's potential.

The Vikings' messaging therefore guarantees no significant short-term role. It does show, however, that the franchise is not yet ready to give up on their former first-round pick.

McCarthy should indeed begin the season in Minnesota. What remains to be seen is whether he will be Kyler Murray's primary backup, the third quarterback on the roster, or a project the Vikings will continue to develop without any sense of urgency.

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