Has McCarthy Played His Final Game w/Vikings?
So, what do you all think? Do you really think they would trade him? Do you think they should? I say, no to both.
(BTW ~ He's not playing tonight because he said he doesn't feel comfortable enough to play.)
Has McCarthy played his final game with the Vikings?https://t.co/4OvKcwT1lZ
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 28, 2026
3 big questions about Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy as a potential trade candidate
Does it make sense for the Vikings to trade McCarthy? And if so, what could that look like?
As of this writing, it’s not yet clear if J.J. McCarthy will be suiting up for the Vikings’ final preseason game on Friday night in Denver (8 p.m. CT). McCarthy got banged up in last week’s game against the Ravens, then missed practice on Wednesday in an effort to hopefully get him healthy for the game.
Update 5:30 p.m. — According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, McCarthy will not play in the team’s preseason final on Friday. Lewis reported that McCarthy “was not comfortable enough to go” against the Broncos, with his ankle injury considered day to day.
Whether he plays or not, it’s fair to wonder if McCarthy will be on the Vikings’ roster this time next week. Not only did he lose the starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray, he also seems likely to have lost the backup job to Carson Wentz, who has been far more effective during the first two preseason contests.
It wouldn’t make any sense for the Vikings to outright cut McCarthy when rosters are trimmed from 90 to 53 on Sunday. That would lead to plenty of dead money and would diminish Minnesota’s depth at a crucial position without any benefit. But if the situation has reached a point where both sides feel it’s best to move on, a trade could be a possibility.
Here are three questions worth asking about McCarthy as a theoretical trade candidate.
1. Should the Vikings trade him?
Generally speaking, my answer to this would be no. On paper, there’s no harm in keeping McCarthy around as the No. 3 quarterback. The Vikings used three different starting quarterbacks last year and four during the 2023 season. Both Murray and Wentz are coming off seasons where they missed a big chunk of time to injury. Keeping McCarthy around protects against the possibility of having to play Max Brosmer ever again.
With that said, there are a couple scenarios that could make a McCarthy trade more understandable. One would be if he becomes a problem in the locker room. I don’t expect this to be the case, but if McCarthy is sulking and not getting along with Murray, it might be a net positive to simply move on. The other would be if the Vikings are completely out on McCarthy’s future — even as a possible QB2 — and could get something of significance in return. That leads into our next question.
2. What could he fetch in return?
This would be the big question if the Vikings do decide to make McCarthy available. Given where his stock is right now after last season’s struggles and two underwhelming preseason performances, it’s hard to imagine the Vikings getting anything more than a sixth-round pick back for McCarthy. And if that’s the case, it may not be worth losing him as a depth option at QB.
Maybe the Vikings could get more. Three years ago, Trey Lance was traded from the 49ers to the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick after just four starts for San Francisco. But Lance was the No. 3 pick in his draft (McCarthy was No. 10) and had far fewer career pass attempts (and thus, you could argue, less bad tape out there). McCarthy could perhaps boost his trade value if he plays on Friday and plays well, even against reserve Broncos defenders.
One intriguing idea the Vikings could perhaps explore would be swapping McCarthy for a different team’s unwanted young quarterback. That would give the Vikings a new QB3 as a barrier in front of Brosmer and provide a change of scenery for both that player and McCarthy. Who that might be is unclear. Speculatively, candidates could include Anthony Richardson (Colts), the aforementioned Lance (Chargers), former Viking Brett Rypien (Texans), Will Levis (Titans), or Carter Bradley (Jaguars).
3. What teams might be interested?
This question ties into the last one. If the Vikings were to get something notable back for McCarthy, a team would have to have real interest in acquiring him and seeing if he benefits from a fresh start. Any team could potentially talk themselves into McCarthy’s upside, but there are a few where we can at least point to connections with the former Michigan star.
The obvious one is the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy’s college coach. The Ravens are coached by former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The Jaguars’ offensive coordinator is Grant Udinski, who was on the Vikings’ staff during McCarthy’s rookie year. The Lions play in the same state as the Wolverines and watched McCarthy play one of his best games last season at Ford Field.
Outside of those teams, your guess is as good as ours.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
@purplefaithful ~ I agree with you! I'm sick of all the QB bs (for lack of a better term). It really does give me a headache! LOL ~ I actually debated with myself to even post it. However, there's been other topics (Both QB & non QB related) that I thought wouldn't be of much, if any interest, so I didn't post and low & behold, someone else did & there was participation. Apparently, there are those that still have an interest in it. So, I decided to go ahead and post it.
To me, it's all quite simple. Make him QB3 & see what happens during the season & next offseason. Then take it from there.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
😁Cricket wrote:
@purplefaithful ~ I agree with you! I'm sick of all the QB bs (for lack of a better term). It really does give me a headache! LOL ~ I actually debated with myself to even post it. However, there's been other topics (Both QB & non QB related) that I thought wouldn't be of much, if any interest, so I didn't post and low & behold, someone else did & there was participation. Apparently, there are those that still have an interest in it. So, I decided to go ahead and post it.
To me, it's all quite simple. Make him QB3 & see what happens during the season & next offseason. Then take it from there.
I’m not in the qb3 camp.
Not yet
But I’m a bit of a romantic and dreamer too. I’m still holding out hope for that breakout game and breakout moment.
And then all is well with my sports world.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Or they are using that as an excuse to not play him because a trade is imminent. Either way I think his days are numbered as a Viking. https://t.co/7xLPKoIFzK
— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) August 29, 2026
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
We do not believe JJ McCarthy is sitting due to injury and it is possible that he did not want to play to avoid injury so he can still force a trade. I don't know what to think of him. No reason coaches would not want to play their #2/3 in this game. I suspect he is gone soon.
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) August 29, 2026
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
I'm more concerned about team depth than what might happen with JJ. I mean, whether its tomorrow or March of next year, does anyone really think McCarthy is going to be on this team?
KOC postgame was telling to me: 'Reps are so massive, and just couldn't get him turned over. Couldn't get him there'. That sounds like a guy that is finding it hard to reasonably want to keep JJ around (less likely) or just demote him to QB3 (much more likely) for '26. He seemed to almost be talking aloud what he was thinking internally, like 'we tried to get him reps'. They wanted to play JJ more last game and wanted him to play the whole half of this game, didn't happen. He's not helping himself....at a juncture in his career where he REALLY needed to.
Demote him to QB3, keep him on the squad.
It's good insurance (better insurance) than Brosmer at 3 right now.
Please God, just one Lombardi before I die.
In @alec_lewis latest #Vikings 53 man roster prediction, he only has 2 QB’s making the team, and JJ McCarthy is not one of them, via @TheAthletic:
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 29, 2026
“McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota.” pic.twitter.com/KkGyepU2tK
Has he earned a spot on the 53 man roster?
No
Will he be on the 53 man roster?
Yes
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
StickierBuns wrote:
https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2093694647914660151?s=46&t=ohFAAgt56m6anXyDpx1btQ
The Minnesota Vikings concluded their preseason Friday night in Denver with a 34-6 loss to the Broncos. None of Minnesota’s starters played.
Perhaps the most significant development came in the first quarter, when undrafted free-agent safety Jacob Thomas rolled his ankle. He did not return. After the game, coach Kevin O’Connell said Thomas has an ankle sprain and will get an MRI this weekend. His diagnosis is important at a position already navigating multiple injuries.
Beyond that, NFL teams must evaluate their depth by Sunday afternoon. A flurry of activity is set to begin. Who are the likeliest players to make the Vikings’ 53-man roster? Here is our final projection:
Quarterback (2)
In: Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz
Out: J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer
McCarthy’s rough week added further murkiness about his status for 2026. The 23-year-old exited the second preseason game with an ankle injury, then practiced Monday and Tuesday. O’Connell gave him the day off Wednesday so that he could rest up enough to start Friday’s final preseason matchup with the Broncos. But McCarthy did not play. Wentz started and appears to be in line to be the team’s backup. McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota.
The Vikings value Brosmer’s smarts and knowledge of the system, but his lackluster preseason performance casts some doubt on his future, as well.
Running back (3)
In: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne
Out: Zavier Scott
Scott’s understanding of special teams complicates this choice. He also played 105 offensive snaps in 2025. The Vikings could slide him to the practice squad, a move that could open the door for a younger player with more developmental upside. Claiborne’s burst and explosiveness give him more time to learn O’Connell’s complex offensive scheme, but the Vikings are banking here on the health of Jones and Mason.
Fullback (1)
In: Max Bredeson
If the Vikings are committed to reshaping their offense to emulate what the Miami Dolphins have done in recent years, they’ll need Bredeson to shine. He has taken to the team’s system quickly. Minnesota’s attention to the fullback position is clear given they’ve also worked edge rusher Chaz Chambliss at the role in practice to cover for Bredeson, if need be.
Receiver (5)
In: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price
Out: Dillon Bell, Jeshaun Jones, Terrill Davis, Dontae Fleming, Michael Briscoe, Trayvon Rudolph, Marcus Sanders Jr.
There isn’t much suspense here. Felton and Price established themselves as worthy backups if needed in a pinch.
Maybe the biggest source of curiosity here is how often the Vikings will use 11 personnel in 2026. Jennings’ blocking ability gives the team a different way to dictate matchups with the defense. Exposing Bell to waivers might pique another team’s interest, especially given that he was sought after in undrafted free agency.
Tight end (4)
In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek, Gavin Bartholomew
Out: Marshall Lang, Matt Lauter
Tight end No. 3 remains one of the key roster pivot points. Yurosek is an admirable blocker with special teams experience, while Bartholomew catches passes with ease down the seams. Minnesota could roll with both. It could also explore the waiver wire for more veteran insurance.
Projecting the tight end situation behind Hockenson and Oliver is one of the toughest tests in this 53-man exercise.
Offensive line (9)
In: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Caleb Tiernan, Michael Jurgens, Joe Huber
Out: Walter Rouse, Vershon Lee, Joshua Gray, Tomas Rimac, Delby Lemieux, Gavin Gerhardt, Tristan Leigh
One of the underrated storylines of training camp? The health and commitment of the starting offensive line. Brandel’s snap exchanges are worth watching when the season begins, but the consistency of the primary five has been vital.
Injuries could leave the Vikings in a precarious position. Tiernan has a left ankle injury. Van Demark, Jurgens and Huber have all put both highs and lows on tape in the preseason. This is another area where the Vikings could look to add help.
Defensive line (6)
In: Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Domonique Orange, Caleb Banks, Elijah Williams
Out: Isaiahh Loudermilk, Jahvaree Ritzie, Smith Vilbert, Jonathan Harris.
Proceed with these six, and the Vikings will be finalizing a drastic year-over-year transition. In 2025, aging veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave anchored the interior. Now, youth dominates the position.
Rodriguez is a key piece of the Vikings defense at nose tackle, while Ingram-Dawkins’ versatility allows for flexibility on the front. Orange looks closer to contributing than Banks. But Williams’ preseason output caught the attention of NFL evaluators. The Vikings recognize his impact.
Edge rusher (6)
In: Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, free-agent signing, Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss
Out: Kenny Dyson, Cam’Ron Stewart
Trading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles allowed Turner to assume a starting role. Teammates raved about his growth after joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. A breakout season could help Minnesota maintain its defensive standing near the top of the league.
Backups like Batty, Richter and Chambliss received praise from coaches. Still, the Vikings could benefit from a productive pass-rushing veteran behind Turner and Van Ginkel. Hence, the inclusion of a free-agent signing, which could happen in the coming week.
Linebacker (4)
In: Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Jake Golday, Ivan Pace Jr.
Out: Jacob Roberts, Bangally Kamara, Josh Ross
Few Vikings performed better than Cashman throughout training camp. He intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in joint practices with the Ravens. His comfort in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system is apparent. His partnership with Wilson matters with the safety spot in flux.
Behind those two, the Vikings have more options than in recent years. Golday impressed during training camp off the ball and on the edge. Pace’s ability to wreak havoc makes him a weapon. Roberts’ preseason showings are deserving of an opportunity. Minnesota will have to assess how willing it’d be to watch another team lure him away.
Cornerback (4)
In: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles Demmings
Out: Da’Veawn Armstead, Zemaiah Vaughn, Bryce Phillips, Jarod Washington, Tre Hawkins III, Marcus Allen
Minnesota improved its cornerback depth this offseason. Pierre provides more anticipatory ability than Jeff Okudah did last year, and Demmings is more athletic than former Viking Fabian Moreau. Depending on the complexion of the safety room, Flores could utilize Pierre or Demmings against three-receiver sets.
The team could also keep Armstead — an undrafted corner from North Texas — if it prefers a nickel body type with potential.
Safety (6)
In: Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, Jacob Thomas, Jakobe Thomas, free-agent signing
Out: Tavierre Thomas, Kahlef Hailassie
This position group comes with questions. First and foremost, will the Vikings roster Tavierre Thomas, whose role is mostly on special teams? And second, do the other safeties offer enough reliability?
Tavierre Thomas only played 18 defensive snaps in 2025. Waiving him would require the Vikings to have a backup plan alongside receiver Tai Felton at gunner. But the possibility of choosing another offensive or defensive contributor could outweigh the gunner value.
Meanwhile, we included a free-agent signee amid the uncertainty surrounding franchise legend Harrison Smith. The 37-year-old has not made a final decision on his future. Minnesota might need him to return to maximize its chances on the back end.
Specialists (3)
In: Will Reichard (K), Andrew DePaola (LS), Brett Thorson (P)
Out: Johnny Hekker
There’s some intrigue at punter. The Vikings signed Hekker, who earned first-team All-Pro honors four times between 2013 and 2017, but his production dipped in recent years with the Panthers and Titans. That, paired with Thorson’s upside as the former Ray Guy Award winner at the University of Georgia, keeps the 26-year-old Australian viable. Minnesota would be taking a risk on Thorson’s holding ability. The reward could be a talented punter for the future.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
It would be foolish for him to want out, provided he's QB2. If he's QB3, he's gone. It would be foolish for the Vikings to trade him unless there's some sort of conflict between him and the other QBs. I wouldn't rule that out though.
Right now, I'd keep him and name him QB2. He hasn't earned it. He's actually even regressed a little. But if I'm perfectly honest, if Kyler goes down, I feel better about our chances to win with JJ than Carson. Just barely. But that's enough to justify keeping the rights to a toolsy project.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
Our story on J.J. McCarthy (ankle) missing last night’s preseason game at Denver is updated with quotes from Kevin O’Connell on the decision and where it might leave McCarthy on the depth chart. https://t.co/kWxq0PyfUx
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 29, 2026
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was unavailable for Friday's preseason game at the Denver Broncos because of an ankle injury he suffered last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
"We hoped to get him turned over," coach Kevin O'Connell said after the Vikings' 34-6 loss to the Broncos. "The goal was to have him start the game tonight and try to get him a half if we could. ... We just couldn't get him there."
Asked where McCarthy stood on the Vikings depth chart following the end of the preseason, O'Connell said: "We're going to work through that as a staff and see where he's at from a health standpoint first and foremost. We don't have any long-term concerns. Still consider him day to day and we'll see what that looks like."
Starter Kyler Murray was previously scheduled to sit out, along with most of the Vikings' front-line players. That left veteran Carson Wentz and second-year quarterback Max Brosmer as the available quarterbacks in Denver.
McCarthy's injury prompted coach Kevin O'Connell to remove him earlier than expected from the Ravens game. O'Connell said earlier this week that he hoped McCarthy could start against the Broncos to get more game reps before the regular season begins.
Instead, McCarthy told team officials that he did not feel comfortable enough to play.
Although mild, the injury is another in a long list of ailments that has cost McCarthy playing time since the Vikings made him the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft. He missed his entire rookie season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee and played only 10 games in 2025 because of a high right ankle sprain and a concussion. He left two of his starts early because of a hairline fracture in his right thumb.
Upon naming Murray the starter, O'Connell said McCarthy would be his primary backup. But after last weekend's injury, which coincided with McCarthy missing two open receivers for potential touchdowns, O'Connell indicated that the No. 2 job was competitive between McCarthy and Wentz.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
Maybe its just the press, but this has swirled the toilet quicker than I thought...
As of now? I would rather see him QB2 in September.
My rationale is the investment you've made in drafting him so high, the coaching put into it to-date and the traits.
Qb3 imo means you've given-up on him. Wentz isn't much better of an alternative imo.
Not sure where JJM's head or heart is right now for staying? But I dont think we've reached the point of keeping a failed draft choice around too long yet.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
JFC. I guess There’s a chance they will trade a 6th for me as well.
People keep saying that McCarthy needs to go to someone who can develop him. Well it's hard to develop any QB when they are consistently hurt and unable to practice and play. No QB is going to develop when they're rehabbing injuries almost entirely during their first 3 years.
— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) August 29, 2026
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
“McCarthy, who missed seven games last year due to multiple injuries, completed nine of 17 passes for 115 yards and took two sacks in his two preseason appearances. He oversaw seven drives that ended in six punts and one turnover on downs.”
— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) August 29, 2026
-@Andrew_Krammer on J.J. McCarthy’s… pic.twitter.com/vGDXiutMuw
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.