Vikings' backup QB decision speaks volumes about their view of McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vikings' backup QB decision speaks volumes about their view of J.J. McCarthy

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 8:51 AM ET

With Kyler Murray in place as the Minnesota Vikings' new starting quarterback, most assumed the franchise's recent first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, would at least be the next in line.

However, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has a different plan in mind.

Carson Wentz, not J.J. McCarthy, will back up Kyler Murray

O'Connell revealed that veteran Carson Wentz will actually serve as Murray's backup quarterback. McCarthy will be the team's third option on Sunday when the Vikings kick off the 2026 season at home against the rival Green Bay Packers.

McCarthy's inconsistent play when under center in 2025 — he threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions — caused the Vikings to change their tune on him as their future and pursue the more established Murray in the offseason, signing the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick to a one-year, $1.3 million deal.

The nature of Murray's contract means he has pressure to perform to keep his job. But if he ends up benched or injured, it will be Wentz, not McCarthy, who will be called upon, at least based on the depth chart for Week 1.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced that Carson Wentz will serve as the team's backup QB on Sunday and that J.J. McCarthy will serve as the 3rd QB.

O'Connell says it'll be a week-to-week thing as far as the backup QB spot goes. pic.twitter.com/Uw6yYAkBSm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 9, 2026

Carson Wentz once set the NFL by storm early in his career

As for Wentz, also a former high draft pick (No. 2 in 2016), he was 2-3 with 1,216 passing yards and six touchdowns to five interceptions in his first season with the Vikings last year. He spent the 2024 season backing up Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and the year before with the Los Angeles Rams.

Wentz once set the NFL by storm, throwing for at least 3,000 yards in his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He even exceeded 4,000 in 2019. Wentz's best season was in 2017 when he threw for 33 touchdowns to only seven interceptions in 13 games before a season-ending injury allowed Nick Foles to step in and lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title.

Since Wentz doesn't provide any guarantee of consistency himself, the decision to drop McCarthy down to third string is just another signal that his days in Minnesota are likely numbered.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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