Vikings name Kyler Murray starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy to backup role
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:05 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings have officially named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for Week 1, concluding a competitive training camp that included J.J. McCarthy. Analyst Kyle Brandt stated that McCarthy never had a realistic chance against Murray, especially after the Vikings signed the veteran. He emphasized that Murray's talent and experience created a significant gap that McCarthy could not bridge. Moving forward, McCarthy must prove himself as a valuable asset behind Murray, with increased pressure to justify the franchise's earlier support of him as their quarterback of the future.
- •Kyler Murray named starter for Vikings, J.J. McCarthy to serve as backup.
- •Kyle Brandt claims McCarthy had no chance to compete against Murray.
- •McCarthy's previous season included 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
- •Murray offers a diverse skill set that can enhance the Vikings' offense.
- •McCarthy now faces pressure to secure future opportunities with Minnesota.
- 4:05 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy had no chance against Kyler Murray, Kyle Brandt claims
"Kyle Brandt says the Vikings' quarterback battle was never really a competition.
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