Vikings Confirm Kyler Murray as Starter; J.J. McCarthy Remains Backup Amid Ongoing QB Competition

The Minnesota Vikings announced that Kyler Murray will serve as the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming season. The move places former 10th-overall pick J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart as the second-string quarterback. Coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that the backup role is not guaranteed and that the quarterback room will remain competitive, with veterans Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer also in the mix.

NBC Sports

Coach O'Connell emphasized that the Vikings aim to foster a competitive environment in the quarterback group. He said the team wants each player to approach the situation as a competition and to prepare as if they were the starter.

Newsweek

McCarthy entered the season with one year of starting experience. In ten games last season he completed 57.6 % of his passes for 1,632 yards, threw 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In the preseason opener against the New York Giants, he recorded 4 completions on 7 attempts for 34 yards and did not generate any points during his three drives.

Newsweek

• “What I would say is this: I did mean that in regards to the question of is he [the backup] — is that he has taken all the two reps in practice and he's done really well,” — Kevin O'Connell, to head coach

Newsweek

The Vikings will evaluate quarterback performance during the remaining preseason contests, after which the final depth chart for the regular season will be set. The outcome will shape the backup hierarchy behind Murray as the team approaches its first regular-season game.

NBC Sports