Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has named Carson Wentz the team’s primary backup quarterback behind Kyler Murray for the 2026 NFL season opener, dropping J.J. McCarthy to the QB3 spot on the roster, according to reports from ESPN and the NFL Network.
The decision comes just days before the Vikings kick off their regular-season schedule against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, O’Connell confirmed that Wentz will serve as the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday, leaving McCarthy further down the depth chart and raising questions about the former first-round draft pick’s immediate game-day availability.
Coaching Rationale and Preseason Performance
The quarterback competition behind Murray during the 2026 preseason balanced veteran efficiency against developmental upside. According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, O’Connell explained that selecting Wentz as the backup gives the Vikings the best chance to win immediately. O’Connell also noted that the backup role will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis as the season progresses.
During preseason action, Wentz put together an ultra-clean performance against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 9 of 11 pass attempts for 92 yards. In contrast, McCarthy experienced a mixed outing, finishing 4-for-7 for 30 yards while adding an 8-yard scramble. According to team evaluations, O’Connell ultimately leaned on Wentz’s decade of NFL experience, pocket composure under pressure, quick processing of complex defensive looks, and established knack for ball security over McCarthy’s raw physical traits.
Roster Implications and Game-Day Status
Being listed as the third quarterback means McCarthy could frequently be rendered inactive as the emergency third quarterback on game days, effectively limiting his opportunities to see live snaps.
For Wentz, the role provides a veteran safety net behind Murray. While the Vikings hope to avoid needing their reserves, Wentz supplies a reliable bench floor for a squad looking to establish dominance within the NFC North.
Looking Ahead in the NFC North
The Vikings enter the 2026 campaign looking to build upon a 9–8 finish from the previous year that narrowly left them out of the postseason picture despite a late five-game winning streak.
Minnesota’s early-season schedule features a challenging slate:
- vs. Green Bay Packers – September 13
- at Chicago Bears – September 20
- at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 27
- vs. Miami Dolphins – October 4
- at New Orleans Saints – October 11
The Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers on September 13 for their Week 1 matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Carson Wentz will suit up as the active backup.
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