Kevin O'Connell confirms suspicion about Vikings starting quarterback situation after Thursday night loss vs. Chargers

The Minnesota Vikings have had a quarterback issue for the last six weeks, but they won't for much longer. Head coach Kevin O'Connell made it very clear who the starting quarterback is moving forward, and that is J.J. McCarthy.

"If J.J. is healthy, J.J. will play. That's been the case since the injury. That's always been kind of my mindset," said O'Connell.

J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback moving forward

If you've been paying attention over the last six weeks, O'Connell has been steadfast about the approach with McCarthy. He was very clear about wanting McCarthy to get a full week of practice under his belt because he is still a developing player. It's about the long-term with McCarthy and not just one game.

"We talked about earlier in the week, we worked out J.J. and he was close, and J.J. and the medical staff didn't quite feel like he was there yet, but there was a lot of encouragement that, especially with the time we have Kevin, and where he's at and the confidence level he thinks he can get to, and I believe we're right," said O'Connell. "Hopefully, around the corner from seeing him be healthy, have a week of preparation and go compete, because that's really what he wants, and that's what he's been working towards."

It's also really important to understand that the mechanics that the Vikings were working on with McCarthy weren't necessarily due to the mechanical changes. It could have just as easily been part of the rehab process, because of the weight transfer you go through when you throw the football.