Vikings prepare for preseason QB battle between McCarthy and Murray
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 7:20 AM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings will assess their quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray as the preseason approaches, starting with a game against the New York Giants on August 15. Coach Kevin O’Connell faces a decision on the starter before the season opener. Analysts suggest he should finalize his choice by the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on August 22. Both players will have opportunities to showcase their skills against live competition. Former NFL receiver Harry Douglas emphasized the importance of giving the starter a chance to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.
- •Vikings kick off preseason against the Giants on August 15.
- •Coaches may decide on a starting QB by August 22 after facing the Ravens.
- •Analysts suggest evenly splitting quarterback reps during preseason.
- •Colin Cowherd predicts Kyler Murray will thrive in Minnesota.
- 8:32 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Ahead of where I thought’: Kevin O’Connell has telling comments on Kyler Murray amidst competition with J.J. McCarthy
- 7:20 AMYahoo Sports — Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Gets Clear Message on QB Battle
"The Minnesota Vikings‘ quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will be entering a new phase as the preseason nears. Minnesota will open the preseason on Aug. 15 against the New York Giants, allowing Murray and McCarthy to see live action against an opposing defense outside of training camp. That game could be a […] The post Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Gets Clear Message on QB Battle appeared first on HEAVY.
"The Minnesota Vikings have perhaps the most high-profile quarterback battle this offseason as young J.J. McCarthy competes with veteran Kyler Murray for the team’s starting quarterback position. While head coach Kevin O’Connell has not been willing to share much about where the battle stands, he did have a few telling comments about Murray. Given that…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 8:32 PM‘Ahead of where I thought’: Kevin O’Connell has telling comments on Kyler Murray amidst competition with J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings have perhaps the most high-profile quarterback battle this offseason as young J.J. McCarthy competes with veteran Kyler Murray for the team’s starting quarterback position. While head coach Kevin O’Connell has not been willing to share much about where the battle stands, he did have a few telling comments about Murray. Given that…
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 7:20 AMVikings HC Kevin O’Connell Gets Clear Message on QB Battle
The Minnesota Vikings‘ quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will be entering a new phase as the preseason nears. Minnesota will open the preseason on Aug. 15 against the New York Giants, allowing Murray and McCarthy to see live action against an opposing defense outside of training camp. That game could be a […] The post Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Gets Clear Message on QB Battle appeared first on HEAVY.
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