NFL Preseason: Vikings QB Battle Heats Up as J.J. McCarthy Faces Pressure From Carson Wentz

Wentz and McCarthy Clash for QB2 Spot

J.J. McCarthy currently occupies the second-string position after losing the initial quarterback battle to Murray, but his grip on the backup job faces a stern challenge from Wentz ahead of the team’s upcoming preseason fixtures.

MetLife Stadium Preseason Opener Sets the Stage

The roster battle gained momentum following Minnesota’s 13-10 preseason opening victory against the New York Giants. During that matchup at MetLife Stadium, McCarthy completed two of four pass attempts for 34 yards while absorbing a sack. In contrast, Wentz entered the contest and finished nine of 14 for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Analyst Doubts Surround McCarthy’s Readiness

League insiders have openly questioned whether McCarthy can secure the immediate backup responsibilities. Speaking on the August 17 edition of “PFT Live,” NBC Sports NFL analyst Mike Florio detailed ongoing evaluations regarding the young quarterback. According to Florio, internal discussions have centered on getting McCarthy to adapt to the coaching staff’s system following a lost development year stemming from a knee injury.

“I’m starting to wonder whether or not McCarthy’s even going to be the backup, second string,” Florio said on the broadcast. “I’m starting to think Carson Wentz may end up being the backup to Kyler Murray, not J.J. McCarthy.”

Weighing Pressure and Immediate Urgency

Co-host Chris Simms offered a more tempered assessment of McCarthy’s performance against the Giants while acknowledging the physical pressures the young passer faced. Simms noted that McCarthy executed specific throws under heavy duress, highlighting a deep curl route thrown just before pressure collapsed the pocket—plays that demonstrate growth compared to his college tape from the previous year.

Other observers point to the immediate competitive window for the franchise as a primary driver behind the potential depth chart shift. Speaking in an August 16 video analysis, Judd Zulgad of Purple Daily emphasized that head coach Kevin O’Connell’s roster decisions reflect an urgency to win immediately rather than prioritize long-term development.

“O’Connell has said that McCarthy is the backup, but clearly that can be subject to change,” Zulgad reported. “And quite frankly, with where the Vikings are right now in wanting to win this season, this is not about the future. This is about the now. That’s why Kyler Murray is here.”

Looking Ahead to the Ravens Matchup

Zulgad added that if evaluated strictly on current readiness to direct the offense should Murray miss time, Wentz has positioned himself strongly to challenge for the role during practice sessions leading up to the team’s subsequent preseason tests.

The Vikings continue their preseason schedule with a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on August 22. Team leadership has not formally altered the official depth chart, leaving the final determination of the backup quarterback spot open through the conclusion of training camp practices ahead of the regular season kickoff.