With Kyler Murray sidelined by a concussion, Carson Wentz takes the reins while former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy looms just one snap away from a critical return.
The Minnesota Vikings suffered a brutal injury loss in starting quarterback Kyler Murray this weekend. Murray fell prey to a concussion and his status is now up in the air moving forward.
Backup quarterback Carson Wentz played well enough, tallying three passing touchdowns and helping Minnesota to 39 points against the Green Bay Packers, to shut down any consideration of switching quarterbacks. Still, the questions are being asked.
Bleacher Report discussed what the injury means for both Wentz and J.J. McCarthy. Here's some of what they had to say.
"The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray the starting quarterback fairly early in training camp, following a brief position battle with J.J. McCarthy. Before the end of the preseason, they moved McCarthy into the QB3 role and gave journeyman Carson Wentz the backup job. Sunday's game showed exactly why they made Wentz the understudy.
Murray was ruled out with a concussion early in the game, but the Vikings managed to get the win thanks to some timely defense and some sound game management by Wentz. He didn't have eye-popping numbers (12-of-19 for 133 yards), but Wentz tossed a trio of scores and led Minnesota to a fairly comfortable victory.
Until Murray clears the concussion protocol, McCarthy may now be one injury away from getting back on the field. That is, if the Vikings are comfortable making him QB2 behind Wentz. Minnesota initially kept four quarterbacks on its active roster before cutting Max Brosmer and signing him to the practice squad.
Will the Vikings consider knocking McCarthy down the depth chart again, or will they fully embrace him as the backup? Given McCarthy's status as a former first-round pick with a tenuous NFL future, it's a question that head coach Kevin O'Connell is likely to face this week."
Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) makes a pass during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesThe Vikings don't have anything they need to change at quarterback with how well Wentz is performing in Murray's absence so far. Albeit McCarthy needs to prepare as if his turn will come soon. The former Top 10 draft pick is one play away from playing meaningful snaps for the Vikings in 2026.
The good news for the Vikings is, McCarthy is about as good a third string option as they could have. The former Vikings starter played several games in the team's 9-8 season from last year. If nine wins is the floor, that's a solid floor.
Minnesota will hope to continue their winning trend as Murray returns to health.
