J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz split second-team reps on Tuesday

Posted by Admin August 25, 2026 NFL

After losing the starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy could be losing the backup spot, too.

Via Kevin Seifert of ESPN, McCarthy and Carson Wentz split second-team reps during an 80-minute practice on Tuesday.

McCarthy, who fell to No. 2 in the days before the preseason opener, has not performed well in a pair of exhibition games. He continues to have accuracy issues, and he continues to overuse his fastball when making throws.

Wentz was a capable backup in 2025 for the Vikings, despite not signing until late August. With a full offseason, training camp, and preseason in the system, Wentz would be in even better position to fill in for Murray, if necessary.

With Max Brosmer also on the roster, McCarthy could be in danger of not being on the roster by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53. The Vikings undoubtedly would try to trade him, since the balance of his 2026 pay ($1.075 million) and all of his 2027 compensation ($3.775 million) are fully guaranteed. The Vikings may have to pay a significant chunk of the money in order to facilitate a deal.

Ultimately, the Vikings may have to simply waive McCarthy.

However it plays out, it’s not looking good for McCarthy in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see whether and to what extent McCarthy plays in the preseason finale against the Broncos.