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 will back up Kyler Murray to begin the 2026 season. Coach Kevin O’Connell made the long-expected announcement Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers.

Wentz’s role comes with ramifications for 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. The 23-year-old McCarthy entered training camp competing with Murray to be the starter. Still, inconsistent play and an ankle injury suffered in the team’s second preseason game opened the door for Wentz, 33, to assume the backup position.

Last week, general manager Nolan Teasley said he expected McCarthy to remain on the team’s roster in 2026. This news, though, adds another roadblock to his ability to reclaim the starting quarterback spot for the Vikings.

Wentz started five games last season. He posted a 65.1 percent completion percentage and averaged 243.2 yards per game with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He played through a torn labrum, which earned respect from the coaching staff and locker room.

However, following a Thursday night game in Los Angeles against the Chargers, Wentz underwent season-ending surgery.

Minnesota committed $3 million, which is backup-caliber money, for his services in 2026. His spring signing raised questions about McCarthy’s status, and this decision only amplified them.

Last week, Teasley declined to discuss whether the team had explored a potential trade with McCarthy in recent weeks. As multiple NFL executives noted, McCarthy’s $6.5 million salary over the next two seasons — along with his preseason performance and lack of durability — complicates the return the Vikings might get in a trade.