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Vikings | QB McCarthy should be on the Week 1 roster Wed Sep 2, 03:50 PM
Minnesota Vikings GM Nolan Teasley said he expects J.J. McCarthy to be on the Week 1 roster.
| Footballguys view: McCarthy missed time at the end of the preseason as he dealt with an ankle injury. Carson Wentz is likely the primary backup to Kyler Murray since McCarthy has missed time and was mostly bad in camp and the preseason games he was featured in. Anything can happen, but we just think McCarthy would have benefited from a fresh start elsewhere. He's trending to be one of the biggest busts in recent first-round QB history. |
J.J. McCarthy player page
Free-agent WR Michael Briscoe, WR Trayvon Rudolph, and TE Marshall Lang were signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad on Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Dillon Bell was waived Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer was waived Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyFormer Dallas Cowboys OG Trevor Keegan and former Carolina Panthers C Nick Samac were claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will likely be sidelined for several weeks because of his ankle injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
| Footballguys view: Despite rumblings that suggested McCarthy could be cut or traded by Sunday's roster deadline, the former first-round pick made the Vikings' initial 53-man roster. McCarthy opened camp with a chance to compete with Kyler Murray for the starting job, but never managed to make the battle interesting. As preseason progressed, reports suggested Minnesota might move McCarthy to an interested suitor (like the Los Angeles Chargers, led by McCarthy's collegiate coach, Jim Harbaugh) by the end of the month. But for now, McCarthy is QB3 in Minnesota behind Murray and Carson Wentz. |
Minnesota Vikings C Michael Jurgens (undisclosed) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Sunday, Aug. 30, but has been designated to return. The team also placed WR Jeshaun Jones on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Michael Briscoe, WR Terrill Davis, TE Matt Lauter, WR Trayvon Rudolph, WR Marcus Sanders and RB Zavier Scott were waived Sunday, Aug. 30. The team also waived/injured WR Dontae Fleming (undisclosed), RB Jermar Jefferson (undisclosed) and TE Bryson Nesbitt (undisclosed).
Link to storyJermar Jefferson player page
Minnesota Vikings OT Walter Rouse was traded to the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 30, in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft choice. The Patriots will also receive a 2027 seventh-round pick in the trade.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings LB Tyler Batty (knee) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the final preseason and will miss the entire 2026 season, according to sources. He will be placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings TE Marshall Lang was waived Sunday, Aug. 30, according to a source.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings P Brett Thorson won the punting job, as the team is releasing veteran P Johnny Hekker, a source said Sunday, Aug. 30.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings S Jacob Thomas (ankle) suffered an apparent ankle sprain in the preseason game against the Denver Broncos Friday, Aug. 28, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will not play in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, because of his ankle injury, according to sources. He is considered day-to-day.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is receiving a day off from practicing Wednesday, Aug. 26, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said the plan is for McCarthy to play in the final preseason game.
| Footballguys view: The Vikings play the Broncos on Friday night. McCarthy is battling with Carson Wentz for the backup job to Kyler Murray. Some think McCarthy could be on the trade block, and many think he's not going to be with the Vikings much longer. We'll see what happens, but it's clear that McCarthy could use a fresh start. |
Free-agent CB Tre Hawkins III (Commanders) was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The Vikings also waived CB Dwight McGlothern with a waived/injured designation.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Jeshaun Jones has been suspended for three games by the NFL for violating it's Substances of Abuse policy on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Link to storyFree-agent DL Jonathan Harris was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Monday, Aug. 24. The Vikings also waived DL Taki Taimani and CB Tyreek Chappell with waived/injured designations.
Link to storyJonathan Harris player page
Free-agent TE Matt Lauter (Titans) signed with the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Aug. 24. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings RBs Demond Claiborne and Zavier Scott are in a heated battle in training camp for a spot on the 53-man roster. Claiborne has blazing speed, but he has had issues fumbling and catching the ball. Scott is more polished, and his experience is key, plus Scott worked on special teams last season.
| Footballguys view: As long-time Vikings observer Judd Zulgad noted, Claiborne's 4.37 speed is difficult to dismiss, but he needs to work on his weaknesses -- and to be more patient in waiting for his blocks to develop. Given Claiborne is only 22 years old, those are things that will take time for him to learn. This is where keeping Scott has to be a consideration. Scott, 27, isn't flashy, but you know what you're going to get. It would not be a surprise if Scott is cut on Sunday and quickly signed to the practice squad. |
Minnesota Vikings OLs Henry Byrd and Walter Rouse are likely fighting for the 10th and final offensive lineman job. Byrd is listed as a guard, but he started at left tackle in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 23. Rouse is listed as a tackle, but he has been playing tackle in camp. OT Ryan Van Demark is expected to be the top backup at both tackle positions, while OG Joe Huber is expected to hold the same role at the guard spots.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings FB Max Bredeson is considered a lock for the 53-man roster by beat writer Judd Zulgad.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (undisclosed) left the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Baltimore Ravens after getting 'banged up', according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. To make matters worse, QB Carson Wentz shined in relief, and he could push McCarthy for the primary backup job to QB Kyler Murray.
Link to storyCarson Wentz player page
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy completed five of his 10 passes for 81 yards during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Aug. 22, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said QB Carson Wentz and QB Joe Fagnano will have more chances to compete for the backup quarterback job. 'We want to keep giving those guys opportunities,' O'Connell said.
| Footballguys view: McCarthy, a first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2024, has already lost the starting job to Kyler Murray. Now, he might not even be the primary backup to Murray. His pro career got off on the wrong foot (to say the least), and a change of scenery might do him some good. |
Carson Wentz player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said he is building better chemistry with QB Kyler Murray now that Murray has been named the starter and is no longer splitting reps. 'So now he has it and the connection is definitely growing,' Jefferson said. 'Work needs to be done, but it comes with time and comes with just coming out here and just working together.'
| Footballguys view: 'Work needs to be done' is balancing 'the connection is definitely growing' in this statement. Of course, if you have Jefferson, you're playing him Week 1 vs. Green Bay, but it sounds like we should temper expectations early on, if we hadn't already given Murray's history re: creating fantasy value for wide receivers. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Minnesota Vikings S Theo Jackson (undisclosed) left practice early Thursday, Aug. 20, because of an apparent lower body injury.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy will 'more than likely' start the team's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to coach Kevin O'Connell.
Link to storyFree-agent OG Joshua Gray (Panthers) has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Vikings also released DL Eric Johnson.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings OT Caleb Tiernan (ankle) is considered week-to-week because of an ankle injury, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer (wrist) is scheduled to throw some passes during practice Wednesday, Aug. 19, and his status for the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22, is uncertain at this point.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer (wrist) did not practice on Monday, Aug. 17, due to an injured right wrist. It's unclear if Brosmer will be available for the team's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Link to storyMax Brosmer player page
Free-agent OLB Kenny Dyson (Panthers) and CB Bryce Phillips (Chiefs) have signed with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Monday, Aug. 17. The Vikings also released LB Arden Walker.
Link to storyKenny Dyson player page
Bryce Phillips player page
Arden Walker player page
Minnesota Vikings AC Gerald Alexander completed his three-week suspension for drunk driving on Aug. 14 and returned to the practice field on Monday, Aug. 17, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
Link to storyGerald Alexander player page
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams (quadriceps) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list because of a torn quadriceps, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
| Footballguys view: Adams had received heavy first-team reps during practice in the Vikings' three-safety packages. He was playing with the second-team defense Saturday when the injury occurred. Injuries have plagued Adams for much of the second half of his career. He played only one game in 2022, nine in 2023, and five in 2024 before making it through all 17 games with the Raiders as a part-time player last season. |
Jamal Adams player page
Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Aug. 17.
Link to storyJamal Adams player page
Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams (knee) was diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury, according to sources.
Link to storyJamal Adams player page
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams (knee) sustained a non-contact right knee injury during the first half of the preseason game versus the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15. He had to be carted off the field and head coach Kevin O'Connell described the injury as 'not good,' but did not elaborate on Adams' condition. He is slated to undergo an MRI exam to determine the extent of the injury.
Link to storyJamal Adams player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison caught his only target for eight yards in the preseason game against the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyJordan Addison player page
Minnesota Vikings RB Jordan Mason rushed three times for 17 yards in the preseason game against the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyJordan Mason player page
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed three times for 27 yards in the preseason game against the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyAaron Jones Sr. player page
Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray completed two of his three passes for 10 yards during the preseason game against the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyKyler Murray player page
Minnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer (right thumb) and OT Caleb Tiernan (left ankle) both left the preseason game with their injuries, according to a source on Saturday, Aug. 15. Brosmer left after his hand got hit on his final throw of the third quarter.
Link to storyMax Brosmer player page
Minnesota Vikings LB Jamal Adams (undisclosed) was carted off the field after suffering an undisclosed injury during the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyJamal Adams player page
Free-agent RB Jermar Jefferson (49ers) signed with the Minnesota Vikings Wednesday, Aug. 12. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived RB Jordan Mims.
Link to storyJermar Jefferson player page
Jordan Mims player page
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy 'has a future with the organization,' according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Kyler Murray was named the starting quarterback on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
| Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert, McCarthy showed incremental progress this summer but could not close the sizable gap that already existed with Murray. At 23, he is younger than most of the quarterbacks in the NFL's 2026 draft class. But after losing his entire rookie season to a torn meniscus in his right knee and then producing a season underwhelming enough that O'Connell sought out Murray, there is no longer an obvious path for him to recapture the job unless Murray is injured. |
J.J. McCarthy player page
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting QB.
| Footballguys view: Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick, was the favorite over J.J. McCarthy, whose second season was plagued by injuries and poor play that necessitated a competition this offseason. This will mark the fifth different Week 1 starter in Kevin O'Connell's six seasons as the Vikings' head coach -- and the fourth in four years. Murray is still seeking his first playoff win with the team, but this move is good news for Justin Jefferson, who struggled with McCarthy as his QB last year. |
Kyler Murray player page
Free-agent RB Jermar Jefferson (49ers), RB Dominic Richardson (Cowboys) and RB Marcus Yarns (Saints) recently worked out for the Minnesota Vikings.
Link to storyJermar Jefferson player page
Marcus Yarns player page
Dominic Richardson player page
Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray has shown 'plenty of indications' that he remains the favorite to win the team's starting quarterback job, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
| Footballguys view: The tenor around this quarterback battle has changed in the last 2-3 days, with JJ McCarthy disappointing in his time on the practice field. Kevin O'Connell could be on the verge of calling this for Murray and giving him all of the first team reps to better prepare for the upcoming season. Carson Wentz is also on the roster, so McCarthy is going to fall to third string quarterback and could be traded if there is any team that will give draft capital to assume the requirements of his rookie contract. |
Kyler Murray player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison (thumb) suffered a jammed thumb during a recent practice and is expected to be sidelined for a day or two, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Link to storyJordan Addison player page
Jordan Mason showed up to training camp lighter and in great shape, according to offensive coordinator Wesley Phillips and head coach Kevin O'Connell. 'You guys can probably even tell just the way he looks,' O'Connell said. 'He's in unbelievable shape right now.'
| Footballguys view: If you're going to take a Vikings running back, Mason is probably the best pick, but the fact that all are going in the 10th round or later reflects the uncertainty of the split with veteran Aaron Jones, who was brought back on a reduced salary, and sixth round pick Demond Claiborne, who should figure in some as a change of pace to Mason and passing down option along with Jones. If the quarterback play is better than expected and the offensive line stays healthy (unlike last year), Mason could be a modest hit as a touchdown/game script driven RB2/Flex play. |
Jordan Mason player page































