Vikings QB Carson Wentz, not J.J. McCarthy, will back up starter Kyler Murray in Week 1

EAGAN, Minn. – Minnesota Vikings veteran quarterback Carson Wentz is backing up Kyler Murray to start the 2026 season. Coach Kevin O’Connell made the long-awaited announcement Wednesday during Sunday’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers.

Wentz’s role comes with sentiment for 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy. McCarthy, 23, entered training camp competing with Murray to be the starter, but inconsistent play — and an ankle injury suffered in the team’s second preseason game — opened the door for Wentz, 33, to take the backup spot.

Last week, general manager Nolan Tesley said he expects McCarthy to remain on the team’s roster through 2026. This news, however, adds another hurdle for the Vikings to regain the quarterback position.

Wentz started five games last season. He posted a 65.1 percent completion percentage and averaged 243.2 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He played through a torn labrum, which earned him respect from the coaching staff and locker room. However, following Thursday night’s game against the Chargers in Los Angeles, Wentz underwent season-ending surgery.

Minnesota has earmarked $3 million in reserve-caliber funds for the services through 2026. The signing in the spring introduced questions about McCarthy’s status, and this decision only accentuates those.

Last week, Tesley declined to discuss whether the team had explored a possible trade for McCarthy in recent weeks. Several NFL executives said McCarthy’s $6.5 million salary over the next two seasons — in addition to his preseason performance and lack of strength — complicates the return the Vikings could get in the trade.