Vikings Name Kyler Murray Starter, Carson Wentz QB2 and J.J. McCarthy QB3

The Preseason Quarterback Battle at TCO Performance Center

The depth chart decision follows a ten-practice training camp competition at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. O’Connell and General Manager Nolan Teasley finalized the quarterback hierarchy ahead of the team’s preseason opener against the New York Giants. The evaluation period featured split reps between the first- and second-team offenses.

“In the short time speaking about Kyler, I think he’s demonstrated what he’s capable of,” O’Connell said following Tuesday’s practice. “I think he’s shown enough to really project with the right prerequisite work now for a starter leading into a camp that we can get the rhythm, the timing, we can get the mastery of our system and this year’s system.”

Murray enters his eighth NFL campaign after signing a one-year contract for the veteran minimum following his release by the Arizona Cardinals. Across 2024, Murray recorded over 3,800 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. He holds a career starting record of 38-48-1.

“The whole process was great,” Murray told reporters. “Full transparency from KO to me, to J.J. to everybody in the room. The competition was what it was, it was everything I expected it to be. I didn’t expect to be handed the job or anything like that.”

McCarthy’s Development Path and Injury History

Selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his knee. During the 2025 campaign, an ankle injury, a concussion, and a fractured finger limited him to 10 total games, during which he compiled a 6-4 record, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Despite dropping to QB3 behind Murray and Wentz, O’Connell emphasized that McCarthy remains an integral piece of the franchise. “Nothing changes as far as J.J. being an incredibly important member of our quarterback and our team,” O’Connell stated. The coaching staff plans to evaluate the depth chart on a weekly basis, leaving room for upward mobility as the Vikings prepare for their NFC North schedule and regional matchups.

The coaching staff will monitor practice performance closely as the team transitions from training camp preparations to game-day execution, maintaining weekly flexibility across the entire offensive unit.

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