Full Breakdown
J.J. McCarthy Falls to Third-String as Vikings Set Week-1 Depth Chart
9/10/2026, 3:50:53 AM
Core Event – Week-1 Quarterback Depth Decision
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is set to announce on Wednesday, September 9 that veteran Carson Wentz will serve as the backup quarterback behind starter Kyler Murray for the season-opening game against the Green Bay Packers. The announcement places former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as the third-string quarterback. O’Connell described the arrangement as a “week-to-week” evaluation of the backup spot.
Background & Context
The Minnesota Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up and giving up two third-round selections. He missed his rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in the preseason. In 2025, McCarthy became the starter, completing 57.6 % of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Vikings finished 9-8, a decline from the previous year’s 14-3 record. Injuries—including a high-ankle sprain, a concussion and a hairline fracture in his throwing hand—limited his availability.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 passing stats (McCarthy): 57.6 % completion, 1,632 yards, 11 TD, 12 INT, passer rating 72.6 (last in the league for completion percentage and TD-INT ratio).
- 2025 passing stats (Wentz): 65.1 % completion, 1,216 yards, 6 TD, 5 INT before a season-ending shoulder surgery.
- Injury history: torn meniscus (2024), high-ankle sprain (2025), concussion and hand fracture (2025).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach O’Connell emphasized experience as the primary factor for the backup role, noting Wentz’s “almost 100 career starts” and his ability to apply a “career’s worth of experience” when called upon. O’Connell framed the depth-chart configuration as a flexible, “week-to-week” approach that allows the Vikings to adjust based on performance and health.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm looking at that right now as a week-to-week thing,” — Kevin O'Connell, because vikings coach
- “Carson, he's got almost 100 career starts,” — Kevin O'Connell, because vikings coach
- “This gives us the best chance to win this Sunday,” — Kevin O’Connell, vikings head coach
- “Carson [Wentz] will be the backup on Sunday, and J.J. [McCarthy] will obviously be the third guy, and really, I’m looking at that right now as a week-to-week thing,” — Kevin O’Connell, vikings head coach
What’s Next
The Vikings will open the regular season on Sunday against the Packers, with Murray starting, Wentz as the designated backup, and McCarthy listed third on the depth chart. O’Connell indicated that the backup position will be reassessed “week-to-week,” leaving open the possibility for McCarthy to move up if performance or injuries dictate. The team’s next public update is expected after the Week 1 game, when the coaching staff will evaluate the quarterback hierarchy moving forward.
