Vikings name Carson Wentz backup to starter Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy moves to third string
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said veteran Carson Wentz will serve as the No. 2 quarterback for the season opener, while rookie J.J. McCarthy will be the third-string option.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that veteran quarterback Carson Wentz will be listed as the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday’s opening game against the Green Bay Packers, with rookie J.J. McCarthy moving to the third spot on the depth chart. O'Connell said the decision reflects Wentz’s extensive experience, noting that he has "almost 100 career starts" and that the move gives the team its best chance to win. He added that McCarthy will continue to receive significant practice repetitions.
Kyler Murray, who was named the starter last month after a quarterback competition, will lead the offense. The Vikings drafted McCarthy tenth overall in the 2024 NFL draft and signed him to a four-year, $21.8 million rookie contract that is fully guaranteed. After missing his rookie season with a knee injury and seeing limited success when he started in 2025, McCarthy now begins the 2026 season behind both Murray and Wentz.