JJ McCarthy demoted to third-string QB to cement his Vikings downfall

Carson Wentz will be the backup quarterback in Minnesota. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday that the veteran signal-caller had won the job over J.J. McCarthy, who will be No. 3 on the depth chart behind starter Kyler Murray and Wentz. 

“This gives us the best chance to win this Sunday,” O’Connell told reporters.

O’Connell will make a “week-to-week evaluation” on the backup spot. 

J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images

The decision comes after McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, lost the starting job to the free agent addition Murray during training camp and then missed the Vikings’ preseason finale with an ankle injury.

McCarthy struggled in his first season as a starter in 2025, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games after missing his entire rookie year with a torn meniscus.

Wentz, meanwhile, is back for a second season in Minnesota after starting five games in place of McCarthy last year, during which he completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

Despite the young quarterback falling down the depth chart, O’Connell still spoke highly of McCarthy last month. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz looks to throw a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“He’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games,” O’Connell said of McCarthy after naming Murray his QB1. “He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out. Very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day and coach him.”

At the time, McCarthy was also asked whether he still views himself as a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, and he made clear that belief hasn’t changed.

“Yes, I believe so,” McCarthy said. “And I’m always gonna have that confidence in myself, no matter what. But at this time it’s doing whatever I can for the team, and, you know, being ready when my number’s called. And that’s all that matters, that’s all I can control.”