Aug. 29, 2026Updated Aug. 30, 2026, 6:10 p.m. ET
J.J. McCarthy entered Minnesota Vikings coaching camp battling Kyler Murray for the crew’s beginning quarterback job.
McCarthy was not in a position to beat out Murray in that competitors, which was decided before Week 1 of the preseason. What adopted have been questions on whether or not the 23-year-old signal-caller would even make Minnesota’s closing roster.
McCarthy wasn’t in a position to play within the Vikings’ closing preseason recreation because of an ankle injury. His efficiency throughout the preseason have led many to conclude that 33-year-old veteran Carson Wentz could get the nod as Minnesota’s backup quarterback over McCarthy.
Even in that situation, the Vikings might maintain onto McCarthy as a third-string quarterback. But such a call will rely upon whether or not Minnesota desires to maintain him or just let the 2024 first-round decide search out a contemporary begin after a rocky tenure up to now with the Vikings.
Did the 2024 first-rounder make the crew? Here’s what to learn about his standing because the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline approaches.
Did J.J. McCarthy get minimize or traded? Latest Vikings roster updates
McCarthy made it by means of the roster crunch as a member of the Vikings. Minnesota’s official 53-man roster has McCarthy listed.
Speculation surrounding McCarthy’s standing with the group have been fueled over the weekend. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis left McCarthy off his closing, 53-man roster projection for the Vikings, noting the choice was associated to McCarthy presumably dropping the backup quarterback job behind Murray to Wentz.
“McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota,” Lewis wrote.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t tackle the Vikings’ plans for McCarthy following the preseason finale towards the Broncos, so the 23-year-old’s future with the group remained unclear. O’Connell did point out that retaining 4 quarterbacks on the roster is a chance.
“I don’t think it is out of the question that we try to keep all of those guys, but at the same time, we got to do what’s best for our team,” O’Connell instructed reporters after the sport. “So we’ll work through that and that will definitely be part of the conversation because there was a reason why we wanted to have a deep quarterback room, and all four of those guys had their moments throughout the last month and six weeks or so, and that’ll definitely be a part of the evaluation as we go throughout each position – making sure that our 53 and the practice squad are exactly what we want them to look like.”
Several Vikings releases reported, no QBs minimize but
A handful of Vikings cuts have been reported. The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero stories the crew is waiving tight finish Marshall Lang whereas Lewis reports the crew is parting with security Tavierre Thomas, defensive sort out Isaiahh Loudermilk and working again Zavier Scott.
Thus far, no information or rumors have surfaced relating to the Vikings’ selections at quarterback.
QB motion highlighting early phases of NFL roster cuts
Two notable veteran backups – Nick Mullens (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Jake Browning (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – have been launched, with their groups favoring youthful choices within the No. 2 QB position.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have nearly fully turned over their quarterback room. They traded Quinn Ewers to the Jaguars and waived each Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski earlier than swinging a trade for Green Bay Packers quarterback Kyle McCord.
The Ewers and McCord trades might inform the worth McCarthy would fetch in a trade. Both Ewers and McCoy have been acquired for 2028 sixth-round choices.
J.J. McCarthy preseason stats
McCarthy endured a tough preseason in 2026. He accomplished simply 9 of 17 passes (52.9%) for 115 yards whereas being sacked twice enjoying seven drives throughout two video games.
Of McCarthy’s seven preseason possessions, six resulted in punts. The different ended with a turnover on downs on the 1-yard line.
Vikings QB depth chart
McCarthy is listed because the backup quarterback on Minnesota’s unofficial quarterback depth chart, however all indications are that Wentz beat him for that position throughout the 2026 preseason.
Below is a take a look at the projected pecking order inside the Vikings’ quarterback room:
- Kyler Murray
- Carson Wentz
- J.J. McCarthy
- Max Brosmer
The Vikings saved three quarterbacks to open the 2025 NFL season – McCarthy, Wentz and Brosmer. Minnesota might take the same strategy in 2026, although the Vikings might additionally roll with simply Murray and Wentz with Brosmer on the follow squad ought to they transfer on from McCarthy.
J.J. McCarthy touchdown spots
McCarthy would presumably draw curiosity on the open market if the Vikings resolve to present him a contemporary begin. Here’s a take a look at a few of his prime potential touchdown spots.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh has been lukewarm in his evaluation of backup quarterbacks Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei throughout the 2026 preseason. The 62-year-old coached McCarthy to a nationwide championship throughout their time collectively in Michigan and will relish an opportunity to get the younger signal-caller again on observe behind Justin Herbert.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins ought to be wanting so as to add expertise to their roster in any method potential. Miami is giving Malik Willis an opportunity to show himself in a beginning position, however including McCarthy as a fallback choice can be a pleasant buy-low transfer. McCarthy might substitute Quinn Ewers, who was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars on eve of the 53-man roster deadline, because the Dolphins’ backup and get a check run if Willis cannot succeed as a full-time starter.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have loads of youth at quarterback in Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, so maybe including McCarthy to struggle for taking part in time behind Deshaun Watson can be a bit redundant. Still, the Browns haven’t got a confirmed, high-level quarterback, so taking a raffle on McCarthy’s upside as a former first-round decide may very well be worthwhile for Todd Monken.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ competitors between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa by no means fairly obtained off the bottom, as the previous spent many of the offseason recovering from a torn ACL. Tagovailoa wasn’t very spectacular within the preseason, so Atlanta might contemplate concentrating on McCarthy so as to add extra youth and potential to the continuing quarterback battle.
Detroit Lions
Lions backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater retired on eve of the 2026 NFL season. They changed him with Joshua Dobbs, however including some youth behind Jared Goff (31) may very well be a great long-term funding for the Lions. McCarthy could relish an opportunity to return to Michigan and hone his abilities in Dan Campbell’s quarterback-friendly offensive system.