J.J. McCarthy's Vikings Future, Injury Status Updated by GM Nolan Teasley Ahead of Week 1

The Minnesota Vikings are expecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy to be on their Week 1 roster, general manager Nolan Teasley confirmed Wednesday.

Teasley came short of confirming whether that means McCarthy will back up Kyler Murray, who was named the Vikings' starting quarterback last month.

"J.J. McCarthy's role is to continue to develop, to improve, and to support his teammates, and he's done an excellent job of that," Teasley said.

When asked if McCarthy would serve QB2, Teasley answered, "I wouldn't necessarily comment on depth immediately, but I'm pleased that he's part of our present version of the Minnesota Vikings and excited about his future."

Teasley also said McCarthy has been a full participant in practice for the last two days. ESPN's Kevin Seifert previously reported McCarthy had suffered a "minor ankle injury" in Aug. 22 preseason action.

McCarthy, selected by the Vikings with the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, missed the 2024 campaign with a knee injury before leading the Vikings to a 6-4 record in an inconsistent 10 starts last season.

He is the only quarterback on the Vikings roster currently signed through next season, before which both Murray and Carson Wentz are both set to hit unrestricted free agency.

"He's really talented. I think I said that from the jump," Teasley said about McCarthy. "He was picked in the first round for a reason. Really good arm strength, underrated athlete, and looking forward to how he continues to develop in this system.

"I think that the thing you need to keep in mind with J.J. is he has the hardest job in sport. He's only started 10 games, and his story's not written."

McCarthy was splitting second-team reps with Wentz before Sunday's initial roster cutdown, per Seifert.

The Vikings kept four quarterbacks on their roster while cutting down to 53 players and have since signed Max Brosmer to their practice squad.

Teasley said Wednesday he wanted to "keep internal" whether his team had discussed any potential trades involving McCarthy ahead of Sunday's deadline, but noted the Vikings "get calls all the time."

Murray is set to make his first start since his release from the Arizona Cardinals when the Vikings open the regular season Sunday, Sept. 13 against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Teasley and head coach Kevin O'Connell have until then to confirm whether it will be McCarthy or Wentz backing him up.