Vikings name Kyler Murray starting QB, J.J. McCarthy is backup
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 5:59 PM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have officially named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback before their preseason opener. J.J. McCarthy has been designated as the No. 2 quarterback, confirming that the competition was largely predetermined. McCarthy, drafted 10th overall two years ago, struggled last season and now faces uncertainty with his role in Minnesota, especially after missing his rookie season due to injury. His future with the team remains in question as the Vikings move forward in preparation for the upcoming season.
- •Kyler Murray is named the Vikings' starting quarterback.
- •J.J. McCarthy serves as the backup after limited starts.
- •McCarthy has just 10 career starts in the NFL.
- •The Vikings struggled last season, looking for improved quarterback play.
- •McCarthy's role with the team could change this season.
- 9:15 PMESPN — What Kyler Murray as QB1 means for Vikings and J.J. McCarthy's future
- 6:28 PMCBS NFL — Vikings name Kyler Murray starter: Why it was the right move and why Minnesota might need a new QB in 2027
- 5:59 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings pick Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, AP source says
- 5:38 PMYahoo Sports — With Kyler Murray being named Vikings' starting QB as expected, what becomes of J.J. McCarthy?
"The Minnesota Vikings have chosen Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell pledged to supervise a true competition for the job between the newcomer Murray and the incumbent McCarthy. While Murray had the majority of the turns with the first team, McCarthy had plenty of opportunities in open-to-the-public practices as well.
"McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in 2024, will take a back seat to offseason addition Murray. Here's what we know.
"Head coach Kevin O'Connell named Murray the Week 1 starting QB over J.J. McCarthy on Tuesday
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 11, 2026, 9:15 PMWhat Kyler Murray as QB1 means for Vikings and J.J. McCarthy's future
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in 2024, will take a back seat to offseason addition Murray. Here's what we know.
- CBS NFLAug 11, 2026, 6:28 PMVikings name Kyler Murray starter: Why it was the right move and why Minnesota might need a new QB in 2027
Head coach Kevin O'Connell named Murray the Week 1 starting QB over J.J. McCarthy on Tuesday
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 5:59 PMVikings pick Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, AP source says
The Minnesota Vikings have chosen Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell pledged to supervise a true competition for the job between the newcomer Murray and the incumbent McCarthy. While Murray had the majority of the turns with the first team, McCarthy had plenty of opportunities in open-to-the-public practices as well.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 5:38 PMWith Kyler Murray being named Vikings' starting QB as expected, what becomes of J.J. McCarthy?
The Vikings made a choice at quarterback before the preseason began.
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