Minnesota Vikings name Carson Wentz backup quarterback over J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday that Carson Wentz will serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Kyler Murray for the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. J.J. McCarthy, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, will begin the season as the team's third-string quarterback. This decision follows the earlier announcement that Murray won the starting job on August 11. O’Connell stated that the depth chart arrangement is a week-to-week matter rather than a definitive season-long plan. The team maintained a four-quarterback roster throughout the preseason before recently moving Max Brosmer to the practice squad. Wentz, 33, previously started five games for the Vikings last season while filling in for an injured McCarthy.

• 8:34 PMYahoo Sports — Minnesota Vikings’ Week 1 QB Roster spells doom for JJ McCarthy’s future
• 7:51 PMYahoo Sports — J.J. McCarthy’s fall from grace continues with humbling Vikings demotion
• 7:10 PMCBS NFL — Vikings name ex-top 10 pick J.J. McCarthy third quarterback for Week 1 vs. Packers; Carson Wentz backup
• 7:04 PMYahoo Sports — Former Michigan QB, top-10 pick J.J. McCarthy dropped to third string by Vikings
• 6:52 PMYahoo Sports — J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024, named Vikings' No. 3 quarterback behind backup Carson Wentz
• 6:50 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings demote former starting QB J.J. McCarthy to third string