The Minnesota Vikings dropped former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to third string. Carson Wentz was named the backup behind starter Kyler Murray for the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup versus the Packers.
WHO:Minnesota Vikings
WHAT:J.J. McCarthy was demoted to third string; Carson Wentz was named backup behind Kyler Murray.
WHEN:Reported Sep 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
WHERE:Minnesota
WHY:The depth-chart change was made ahead of the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup versus the Packers.
Reporting from 2 identified publishers across this event arc.
