Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings' first unofficial depth chart raises question of J.J. McCarthy's readiness

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Aug 6, 2024 11:08 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings released their first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday.

Sam Darnold is listed as the team's starting quarterback, which isn't a surprise, but rookie 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy curiously doesn't currently have the backup gig to himself.

The #Vikings list Sam Darnold at starting QB in their first unofficial depth chart. J.J. McCarthy a backup with the OR designation alongside Nick Mullens. Please don’t freak out on Aug. 6. https://t.co/PJWAP8McGe
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 6, 2024

This provides some (coincidental, probably) weight to the theory that Mullens is on the roster to give the Vikings an early-season QB2 option. If McCarthy isn't ready to start in Week 1, is he ready to replace Darnold if there is an injury? https://t.co/Tm1CujbmOu
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 6, 2024

The Vikings open their 2024 preseason at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

2023 fifth-round pick Jaren Hall is listed behind Darnold, McCarthy and Nick Mullens on the depth chart.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell said on the first day of training camp in July that Darnold would be taking the majority of first-team reps, but the rookie would take some as well. O'Connell added that he had "no preconceived, pre-set chart depth chart in (his) mind."

It was reported in mid-July that the third-year lead man had "publicly and privately" said that McCarthy's timetable to start was "open-ended" leading up to the preseason.

Longtime Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons after spending six seasons (including three Pro Bowl campaigns) with the NFC North club. Minnesota then signed Darnold and selected McCarthy in April's NFL Draft.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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