Opens season third on depth chart
Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday that McCarthy will serve as the Vikings' third-string quarterback for Sunday's season opener versus the Packers.
After losing out in the battle with newcomer Kyler Murray for the starting job prior to the preseason opener, McCarthy will plummet all the way to third on the depth chart heading into Week 1, with Carson Wentz settling in as Murray's top backup. O'Connell said that he considers the No. 2 quarterback "a week-to-week thing," so McCarthy could leapfrog Wentz on the depth chart in future games depending on how he performs during practice. In any case, the fact that the 23-year-old McCarthy has to battle for the No. 2 job less than three years after being selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is an indiction Minnesota doesn't view him as its long-term solution under center.
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Carson Wentz
Opening season as QB2
Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday that Wentz will serve as Kyler Murray's backup for Sunday's game against the Packers.
Harrison Smith
Returning to Minnesota
Smith signed a one-year contract worth up to a maximum of $16.25 million with the Vikings on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reports.
Kyler Murray
Plays six preseason snaps
Murray played six snaps during Minnesota's three-game preseason slate.
Jauan Jennings
Sits out final two preseason contests
Jennings played four snaps in the Vikings' 13-10 preseason win over the Giants before being held out for rest purposes in the final two exhibition tilts.
T.J. Hockenson
Nabs TD in final camp practice
Hockenson recorded a touchdown reception from Kyler Murray during the Vikings' final training camp practice Aug. 26, Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Jordan Addison
Makes impressive grab in final camp practice
Addison provided one of the highlights of the day during the Vikings' final training camp practice Aug. 26, connecting with quarterback Kyler Murray on a toe-dragging, sideline catch, Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Jordan Mason
Co-starting RB with Jones
Mason and Aaron Jones are listed as co-starting running backs on the Vikings' unofficial depth chart following cutdown day Sunday, Rob Kleifield of the team's official site reports.
Aaron Jones Sr.
Listed as co-starter with Mason
Jones and Jordan Mason are listed as co-starting running backs on the Vikings' unofficial depth chart following cut-down day Sunday, Rob Kleifield of the team's official site reports.
Justin Jefferson
Makes impressive grabs in last camp practice
Jefferson connected on a couple highlight-reel grabs from quarterback Kyler Murray during the Vikings' final training camp practice Aug. 26, Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
J.J. McCarthy
Remains with Vikings
McCarthy (ankle) remains on the 53-man roster for the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.