J.J. McCarthy lost the Vikings’ starting quarterback competition to Kyler Murray, but could he lose the QB2 job, too?
J.J. McCarthy’s young career has not gone according to plan. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft after he led Michigan to a national championship. However, a meniscus injury cost him his rookie year. McCarthy was handed the reins to the offense last season, but he disappointed mightily. The Michigan product had just 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns over 10 starts.
The struggles resulted in the Vikings bringing in QB competition this offseason in the form of Kyler Murray. Ultimately, Murray out-dueled McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting quarterback gig. Things have only gotten worse for the recent first-rounder since he lost his job, too.
McCarthy suffered a mild deltoid sprain in his ankle in the preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The injury held the quarterback out of full-pads practice on Wednesday. However, the team is still hoping to start him vs. the Denver Broncos on Friday.
“That’s the goal,” Kevin O’Connell said. “But also if we can’t get him there, we can’t get him there.”
McCarthy’s coach’s comment signal that the QB is at risk of missing the preseason matchup. Doing so could put him at risk of losing the second-string QB job, too. Carson Wentz is competing with McCarthy for the right to be first in line to replace Murray if need be. Max Brosmer is also on the roster.
Obviously, the Vikings want their recent first-round pick to pan out, so he still has a leg up on his peers. Injuries are starting to be the demise of his career, though, and even a game in street clothes during the preseason could be detrimental to his Vikings’ future.
J. J. McCarthy’s young career has not gone according to plan. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft after he led Michigan to a national championship. However, a meniscus injury cost him his rookie year. McCarthy was handed the reins to the offense last season, but he disappointed mightily.