J.J. McCarthy is reportedly not expected to factor in as a potential starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, every indication is that Kyler Murray will start at quarterback on Sunday if he clears concussion protocol, and Carson Wentz will be the starter if Murray is not cleared in time.
Graziano added that rather than it being a negative reflection on McCarthy, the quarterback pecking order is a result of the Vikings being most comfortable with a veteran like Wentz to replace an injured starter during a game or to be prepared to start when there is uncertainty during the week because of injury.
If Murray is unable to suit up in Week 2, all signs point toward McCarthy serving as Wentz’s backup.
Early in Minnesota’s 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, Murray took a hard hit that concussed him and knocked him out of the game.
Wentz took over and performed well, throwing for 133 yards, three touchdowns and no picks.
He had an especially strong connection with No. 1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who reeled in eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
After missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, McCarthy was Minnesota’s primary starter last season. He posted a 6-4 record, but completed only 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, prompting the Vikings to look to improve the quarterback position.
Wentz is a highly experienced NFL quarterback with a career record of 49-49-1 to go along with 23,759 passing yards, 162 touchdowns and 72 interceptions.
Based on his performance in Week 1, Wentz seems like the quarterback who gives the Vikes the best chance to win while Murray is out, so it comes as little surprise that Wentz will likely be under center in Week 2 if Murray can’t go.
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