MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Vikings kept quarterback J.J. McCarthy on their 53-man roster on cutdown day, ending a wave of speculation that he could be traded or released.
ESPN first reported the move on Sunday. McCarthy’s spot comes as the team sorts out its quarterback depth and waits on his health after an ankle injury kept him out of the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos.
Roster Spot
McCarthy entered camp in a battle for the starting job and was later pulled into a fight for the backup role as the preseason moved on.
Kyler Murray was named the starter before the preseason opener, while Carson Wentz was also in the mix behind him. Minnesota has not said who will open the season as the backup quarterback.
Injury History
The Vikings drafted McCarthy 10th overall, but his early tenure has been slowed by injuries. He missed his rookie season because of a meniscus tear.
In 2025, he started 10 games and dealt with ankle, hand and concussion issues. His numbers were uneven, with a 57.6% completion rate, 1,632 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
2025 Results
Minnesota went 6-4 in McCarthy’s 10 starts. That gave the team enough wins to stay competitive, but not enough stability to quiet questions about the quarterback position.
The roster decision keeps those questions in place. McCarthy remains on the team, but his role still depends on health, performance and how the Vikings settle their depth chart over the coming days.
Front Office
The quarterback’s standing is also shaped by changes in the organization. The general manager who used the 10th pick on McCarthy is no longer in the building, after the Vikings hired Nolan Teasley to replace Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
There is also added pressure around the roster after Sam Darnold, who started for Minnesota before McCarthy, led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl last season. That raises the stakes for head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings in 2026.
What Comes Next
For now, McCarthy remains part of Minnesota’s plans. The roster move gives him another chance to prove he belongs, even if the competition at quarterback is not settled.
How much of a role he has next will depend on his recovery and how the Vikings handle the rest of their depth chart before the season begins.
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