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Insider says Wentz 'definitely' tracking to be Vikings' backup QB
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- Insider says Wentz 'definitely' tracking to be Vikings' backup QB
Is J.J. McCarthy about to go from battling for the starting quarterback job to QB3 on the Vikings' depth chart?
Following an up-and-down performance in Saturday's preseason loss to the Ravens as well as another injury setback , it seems increasingly likely McCarthy will start the season as Minnesota's third-string quarterback. One Vikings insider has even suggested that veteran Carson Wentz will "definitely" take over as Kyler Murray's backup.
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"My expectation right now, and this is just based on conversations but also what I've seen, is that Carson Wentz is definitely going to be the backup for the Minnesota Vikings," said The Athletic's Alec Lewis in a recent episode of the Vikings Collective podcast.
Friday's preseason final could be McCarthy's last chance to stake a claim for the QB2 job. However, the third-year QB was forced to miss Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury he picked up against the Ravens. That has led to his playing time Friday to being thrown into question.
"I think these reps are important for him," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Wednesday. "To go out there and move the ball, move the team, put the ball in the end zone. That's the goal. But also, if we can't get him there, we can't get him there."
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks to throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Wentz has been the better of the two quarterbacks in preseason play, completing 72% of his passes for one touchdown and no interceptions. McCarthy has shown continued issues with accuracy, completing just 52.9% of his passes in preseason. Wentz has earned a 65.3 PFF offensive grade on 48 offensive snaps, compared to McCarthy's 45.4 grade on 36 snaps through two preseason games.
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O'Connell left the door open when asked about the backup role, noting that the coaching staff will assess the situation and make the decision that's "best for the team."
If McCarthy does end up being demoted to QB3, then the obvious question becomes about his long-term future with the organization. Already there has been speculation that a trade sending McCarthy out could be a possibility. Should, as Lewis suspects, Wentz be named the backup, with McCarthy dropping to third-string, the likelihood of a McCarthy trade only grows ahead of Week One against the Packers.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Aug 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
