Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to open Saturday’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens as he works to hold onto the backup job.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy will “more than likely” start under center at U.S. Bank Stadium. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray is among the veterans expected to sit out after two days of joint practices with Baltimore this week. O’Connell named Murray the starter on August 11th, a day before the team released its first unofficial depth chart of the season.
McCarthy, 23, is listed second on that chart, with Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer behind him. O’Connell has made clear the order is not settled, saying he wants “those guys feeling like they’re competing.”
McCarthy did little to separate himself in last weekend’s preseason opener at New York. He completed four of seven passes for 34 yards across three drives, none of which produced points. Wentz went nine of 14 for 81 yards and a touchdown in relief. The Vikings beat the Giants 13-10.
Kickoff Saturday is set for 12:00 p.m. The Vikings close out the preseason at Denver on August 28th and open the regular season at home against Green Bay on September 13th.
Two things to weigh before you post. Brosmer left the Giants game with an injury, so if you want him named as getting snaps Saturday, that’s worth a check with the team first. And the Wentz comparison in graf four isn’t in the wire copy, but it’s the actual story here, since the competition is now for QB2 rather than QB1.
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