EAGAN, MN — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced that Carson Wentz will serve as the team's backup quarterback heading into Sunday's season opener against the Packers, while J.J. McCarthy will serve as the No. 3 quarterback.
The move marks a reversal from O'Connell's plan last month, when he named McCarthy the No. 2 quarterback behind new starter Kyler Murray.
McCarthy had been competing with Wentz for the backup job throughout training camp and the preseason, but an ankle injury late in the preseason developed into what the team has called a multi-week issue.
O'Connell said the backup quarterback spot will be a week-to-week determination, leaving open the possibility that the depth chart could shift again as the season goes on.
McCarthy was the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick.
His drop to third string is unlikely to quiet trade speculation about his future with the team.
Minnesota opens its season Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Green Bay Packers at 3:25 p.m. on CBS.
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