JJ McCarthy was announced as the Vikings' starting quarterback for their final preseason game, but Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports that he won't play tonight. McCarthy reportedly suffered a minor ankle injury last weekend and, after practicing lightly Monday and Tuesday, doesn't feel comfortable playing.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Year-Three Outlook Gets Murkier
McCarthy’s tenure with the Vikings certainly hasn't gone the way that either he or the team would've hoped after he was selected 10th overall in 2024.
A preseason meniscus tear cut short McCarthy's first season, and his second delivered uninspiring results.
His 14.9 fantasy points per game (PPG) ranked 25th among all QBs, while his 5.5 adjusted yards per attempt ranked outside the top 32 QBs.
Now, in year three of McCarthy’s career, he’s officially been named as a backup to Kyler Murray. Which has only added uncertainty to McCarthy's future with the Vikings.
The latest news that he doesn’t feel comfortable playing tonight only adds uncertainty.
