Kyler Murray’s backup quarterback when the Minnesota Vikings open up their 2026 season on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers will be Carson Wentz.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Wednesday that J. J. McCarthy will serve as QB3.
But O’Connell cautioned this isn’t a permanent hierarchy. The backup QB spot will be a “week-to-week thing” with neither Wentz nor McCarthy locked in.
The 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, McCarthy missed the entirety of his rookie season after incurring a major knee injury during training camp. He would start 10 games in 2025, but he would also miss time with a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a hairline fracture in his hand. He finished the season throwing for 1,632 yards on 140-for-243 passing with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Wentz, 33, heads into his 11th NFL season and second with the Vikings. He started five games for the team last season. A Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz threw for 1,216 yards on 110-for-169 passing with six TDs and five picks. He also previously suited up for Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
The 29-year-old Murray signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum with the Vikings in March, following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. Murray had spent the entirety of his seven-year NFL career with the team.
