League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy demoted to backup role behind Kyler Murray

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 12:29 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy demoted to backup role behind Kyler Murray

Summary

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is now a backup following a preseason competition that saw Kyler Murray emerge as the starter. McCarthy's early NFL career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, leading the Vikings to seek alternatives. Former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond commented on McCarthy's development, emphasizing the need for improvement in his mechanics and touch. McCarthy's future with the team remains uncertain as he splits second-team reps with quarterback Carson Wentz, who has noted McCarthy's progress despite the challenging situation.

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Status Watch

•J.J. McCarthy's early career has been plagued by injuries.
•Kyler Murray won the quarterback competition for the Vikings.
•McCarthy's role remains unclear as he shares second-team reps.
•Former GM Jeff Diamond urges patience with McCarthy's development.
•Carson Wentz has acknowledged McCarthy's improvements since joining.

Latest Updates

12:29 AMYahoo Sports — Vikings’ Former GM Sends Blunt Message to J.J. McCarthy

What they're saying

"
The Minnesota Vikings are between a rock and a hard place with QB J.J. McCarthy. One could say he needs more reps to adjust to the game, while another could say you can’t afford to put him on the field.It’s been quite the rocky road for McCarthy to begin his NFL career. Injuries combined with […] The post Vikings’ Former GM Sends Blunt Message to J.J. McCarthy appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Baltimore Ravens Minnesota Vikings New York Giants NFL Football

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Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 12:29 AM
Vikings’ Former GM Sends Blunt Message to J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings are between a rock and a hard place with QB J.J. McCarthy. One could say he needs more reps to adjust to the game, while another could say you can’t afford to put him on the field.It’s been quite the rocky road for McCarthy to begin his NFL career. Injuries combined with […] The post Vikings’ Former GM Sends Blunt Message to J.J. McCarthy appeared first on HEAVY.

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