Story perspectives

Vikings Kick Off Camp; Kyler Murray Leads QB Charge

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vikings opened training camp on August 1, 2026, with quarterback Kyler Murray leading reps and J.J. McCarthy joining later.
Kyler Murray threw a deep over to Justin Jefferson and a 40-yard pass to Dontae Fleming, showing processing.
Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown said Murray’s running adds a threat the Vikings have lacked since Daunte Culpepper.
Tight end Gavin Bartholomew made two catches in practice while analysts view Kyler Murray as the likely starter.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Vikings, under head coach Dennis Green, signed veteran quarterback Randall Cunningham, who threw for 34 touchdowns and helped the team post a league-best 15-1 record while scoring an NFL-record 556 points. That explosive season set a benchmark for dual-threat quarterbacks. In 2026, quarterback coach Josh McCown likens rookie Kyler Murray’s skill set to Cunningham’s, hoping Minnesota can recapture that offensive dominance.

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Story summary

Vikings opened training camp on August 1, 2026, with quarterback Kyler Murray leading reps and J.J. McCarthy joining later.
Kyler Murray threw a deep over to Justin Jefferson and a 40-yard pass to Dontae Fleming, showing processing.
Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown said Murray’s running adds a threat the Vikings have lacked since Daunte Culpepper.
Tight end Gavin Bartholomew made two catches in practice while analysts view Kyler Murray as the likely starter.

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