EAGAN, Minn. -- Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley said Wednesday that he expects quarterback J.J. McCarthy to be a part of the team's roster when the regular season begins.
Teasley's comments were a show of measured support following a summer in which McCarthy lost his starting job and appears to be third on the Vikings' depth chart behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
"J.J. McCarthy's role is to continue to develop, to improve and to support his teammates," Teasley said. "And he's done an excellent job of that from the moment that I've been here and, from my understanding, since he walked through the door."
Asked if he anticipated McCarthy being on the Vikings' roster in Week 1, Teasley said: "I do."
McCarthy suffered an ankle injury Aug. 22 in the Vikings' second preseason game and, according to a source, told the team's staff that he was not comfortable playing in their Aug. 28 game at the Denver Broncos. Teasley would not comment on whether the Vikings have had trade discussions for McCarthy, but he did say that McCarthy practiced fully with the team Monday and Tuesday this week.
The Vikings drafted McCarthy No. 10 overall in 2024, the highest draft spot for a quarterback in team history. He missed his entire rookie season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee, and then played in only 10 games last season because of a high right ankle sprain and a concussion.
"He's really talented," Teasley said. "I think I said that from the jump. He was picked in the first round for a reason. Really good arm strength, underrated athlete and looking forward to how he continues to develop in this system. I think that the thing you need to keep in mind with J.J. is that he has the hardest job in sports. He's only started 10 games and his story's not written."
