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EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley said Wednesday that he expects quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick, to be on the roster Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.
Teasley declined to comment on McCarthy’s place on the depth chart.
“His role is to continue to develop, improve and support his teammates,” Teasley said. “He’s done an excellent job of that from the moment I’ve been here, and from my understanding, since he’s walked through the door.”
McCarthy, 23, is entering his third season as an NFL quarterback. Injuries have affected his development thus far. He tore his meniscus in the summer of 2024 and missed his entire rookie season. Last year, ankle and hand injuries and a concussion prevented him from getting consistent playing time.
His lack of durability, paired with poor performance, led the Vikings to sign veteran quarterback Kyler Murray this spring. Minnesota opted not to immediately name Murray the starter, but coach Kevin O’Connell finalized that decision early in training camp. Since then, veteran Carson Wentz and McCarthy have been competing for the No. 2 job.
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This summer, McCarthy played in the team’s first two preseason games. In the second, against the Baltimore Ravens, McCarthy left the game after the first quarter. O’Connell described McCarthy as “banged up,” but McCarthy said afterward that “you always want to keep playing, but coach O’Connell is going to make the right decision for me and the team. I’m just following orders.”
When asked if he believed the injury would keep him out for any period of time, McCarthy responded, “I don’t imagine that at all.”
McCarthy practiced the following Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, O’Connell explained that the team would give McCarthy the day off in the hope that he’d recover fully to start Friday’s final preseason game. McCarthy was not comfortable enough to play in the game, O’Connell said afterward, classifying the injury as day-to-day.
This Wednesday, Teasley said McCarthy had been a full participant in practice the previous two days. He said he’s “pleased” McCarthy is a part of the team’s present and is “excited” about McCarthy’s future.
“He’s really talented,” Teasley said. “I said that from the jump. He was picked in the first round for a reason. Really good arm strength. Underrated athlete. Looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop in this system. I think that the thing to keep in mind with J.J. is he has the hardest job in sport. He’s only started 10 games. And his story is not written.”
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