J.J. McCarthy Gets Concerning Take Before Vikings-Ravens Preseason Game

August 17, 2026 - 01:43

The Minnesota Vikings have already named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. With that decision out of the way, many assumed rookie J.J. McCarthy would settle in as the clear number two option on the depth chart. But with two preseason games still on the schedule, that backup role might not be as secure as it once seemed.

The Vikings are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on August 22 at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the conversation around McCarthy has taken a cautious turn. Analyst Judd Zulgad recently shared a take that raises questions about how the coaching staff truly views the young signal caller right now. While McCarthy has shown flashes of potential, there are concerns about his consistency and readiness to step in if Murray were to miss time.

Some insiders believe the team may still be evaluating other options behind Murray, meaning McCarthy could see fewer reps with the second unit than expected. The coaching staff wants to see more from him in live game situations before fully committing to him as the primary backup. That leaves the door open for a veteran addition or a stronger push from another player on the roster.

For now, McCarthy remains in the mix, but the upcoming game against Baltimore could carry more weight than originally anticipated. It is not a make or break moment, but it is clearly an important step in proving he can handle the responsibility. The Vikings are being careful with their evaluation, and that has created some uncertainty around a position that seemed settled just a week ago.