J.J. McCarthy embraces backup role as Kyler Murray named Vikings starter

nfl.com • 13 Aug 13:11

J.J. McCarthy said he remains committed to the Minnesota Vikings after being named the backup to newly signed quarterback Kyler Murray.

NBC Sports • 12 Aug 23:12

J.J. McCarthy, who will serve as a backup to Kyler Murray for the Minnesota Vikings, expressed confidence that he can still start in the NFL and emphasized his focus on preparation and team contribution.

NBC Sports • 12 Aug 14:19

The Minnesota Vikings announced Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback, relegating 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to a backup position and prompting speculation about his future with the team.

NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com • 12 Aug 05:39

The Minnesota Vikings have officially named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, ending the competition with J.J. McCarthy.

NBC Sports • 12 Aug 01:07

The Minnesota Vikings announced Kyler Murray as their 2026 starting quarterback, citing his mobility as a key factor, and coach Kevin O’Connell said the team will stick with the decision throughout the year.

Go Long | Tyler Dunne • 11 Aug 20:00

Quarterback Kyler Murray, released by the Arizona Cardinals, signed a veteran-minimum deal with the Minnesota Vikings and was announced as the team's starter for the 2026 season.

ESPN • 11 Aug 19:52

The Minnesota Vikings announced Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback, relegating recent first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to a backup role as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

CBS Sports • 11 Aug 17:09

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Kyler Murray will start at quarterback, ending the preseason competition with J.J. McCarthy.

The New York Times • 11 Aug 16:31

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, citing his experience and vertical passing ability, while maintaining development focus on rookie J.J. McCarthy.

ESPN • 11 Aug 16:27

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Kyler Murray will start at quarterback, moving rookie J.J. McCarthy to the backup role.

Bleacher Report • 11 Aug 16:23

The Minnesota Vikings have named veteran quarterback Kyler Murray the starter for the season opener versus the Green Bay Packers, opting for him over third-year rookie J.J. McCarthy.

NBC Sports • 10 Aug 13:22

Head coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Kyler Murray is mentally further along than anticipated in the Vikings' quarterback competition, though no timeline for a decision has changed.

Daily Norseman • 09 Aug 18:08

Minnesota’s training camp shows quarterback Kyler Murray receiving more first-team snaps than J.J. McCarthy, prompting speculation that Murray may become the starter.

Daily Norseman • 09 Aug 02:13

Minnesota Vikings held a hotter, slower training-camp session focusing on special teams and install work, with quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy limited to short throws against a strong defensive unit.

Daily Norseman • 08 Aug 03:26

Minnesota Vikings held a full-pads practice under improving weather, with J.J. McCarthy showing sharper performance than Kyler Murray and punter Brett Thorson handling all field-goal attempts. Coaches noted greater player rotation and potential scheme changes on offense.

Substack • 07 Aug 23:03

Both quarterbacks completed most of their passes in an 11-on-11 drill, with Murray taking slightly more snaps with the first-team offense, while McCarthy logged more under-center attempts.

NBC Sports • 07 Aug 16:20

Reports from training camp and analysts indicate that veteran quarterback Kyler Murray is the leading candidate to start for the Minnesota Vikings, with rookie J.J. McCarthy viewed as the underdog.

Substack • 05 Aug 23:15

During the seventh day of training camp, rookie J.J. McCarthy and veteran Kyler Murray completed comparable 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 sessions, with Murray leading a four-play touchdown drive.

A to Z Sports • 05 Aug 21:33

Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy each delivered solid performances during the team's second padded session, while rookie receiver Tai Felton continued to attract attention.

ESPN • 04 Aug 10:00

Minnesota Vikings players and captains say they are focused on supporting both J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray as they vie for the starting quarterback role, emphasizing team cohesion and performance.

A to Z Sports • 03 Aug 21:20

On the fifth day of Minnesota Vikings training camp, the team ran full pads for the first time, with quarterback Kyler Murray displaying quicker processing and layered throws than J.J. McCarthy, while rookie defensive end Dallas Turner showed notable progress.