After losing out on the starting QB battle with Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy is now tumbling further down the Vikings' de Via @usatodaysports on X

What happened: Minnesota lists McCarthy behind both the starter and primary backup on its [Week 1 depth chart](https://www.vikings.com/news/depth-chart-nfl-regular-season-2026). Kyler Murray won the starting job on Aug. 11.

Why it matters: McCarthy now needs more than a change at starter to move into the lineup, narrowing his immediate path to playing time.

What to watch: Watch whether Minnesota keeps that quarterback order beyond the opener.

Sources