Vikings name Kyler Murray starting QB, J.J. McCarthy is backup
12 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:02 AM
Last updated Aug 13, 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.
- 2:02 AMYahoo Sports — Kyler Murray QB1, The Merits of the Competition, and What’s Next for J.J. McCarthy
- 11:24 PMYahoo Sports — Why Vikings named Kyler Murray starter before first preseason game and what decision means for J.J. McCarthy
- 2:19 PMNBCSports.com — What’s next for J.J. McCarthy? - nbcsports.com
- 2:08 PMYahoo Sports — What's next for J.J. McCarthy?
- 10:32 PMYahoo Sports — Kyler Murray named Vikings' starting QB over J.J. McCarthy
- 10:04 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings Name Kyler Murray Starting Quarterback for 2026 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
"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.
"The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback this season, as widely expected, ending the competition with J.J. McCarthy after two weeks of training camp. From the beginning, many/most were skeptical about the competition, figuring Murray would eventually be named the winner. And from Kevin O’Connell’s comments before the night practice on […]
"The Minnesota Vikings have officially made their decision at quarterback, naming Kyler Murray the team’s starter for the 2026 season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision Tuesday, ending a training-camp competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Murray, 29, brings significantly more NFL experience to a Vikings offense looking to take the next step. The…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 2:02 AMKyler Murray QB1, The Merits of the Competition, and What’s Next for J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback this season, as widely expected, ending the competition with J.J. McCarthy after two weeks of training camp. From the beginning, many/most were skeptical about the competition, figuring Murray would eventually be named the winner. And from Kevin O’Connell’s comments before the night practice on […]
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 11:24 PMWhy Vikings named Kyler Murray starter before first preseason game and what decision means for J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings are committing to Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback.
- NBCSports.comAug 12, 2026, 2:19 PMWhat’s next for J.J. McCarthy? - nbcsports.com
Tuesday's announcement that Kyler Murray will be Minnesota's starting quarterback means that 2024 first-rounder J.J.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 2:08 PMWhat's next for J.J. McCarthy?
Tuesday's announcement that Kyler Murray will be Minnesota's starting quarterback means that 2024 first-rounder J.J.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 10:32 PMKyler Murray named Vikings' starting QB over J.J. McCarthy
Kyler Murray is getting the nod over former Michigan standout and incumbent J.J. McCarthy.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 10:04 PMVikings Name Kyler Murray Starting Quarterback for 2026 Season
The Minnesota Vikings have officially made their decision at quarterback, naming Kyler Murray the team’s starter for the 2026 season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision Tuesday, ending a training-camp competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Murray, 29, brings significantly more NFL experience to a Vikings offense looking to take the next step. The…
- 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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