Vikings Bench Kyler Murray for 3rd Preseason Game as Wentz, McCarthy Battle for Backup

Q: Can Carson Wentz lock down the backup quarterback role, or will J.J. McCarthy steal the spotlight against Baltimore?

Carson Wentz looks like the safer bet to lock down the backup job, but Saturday against Baltimore gives J.J. McCarthy a real chance to change that. Right now, the evidence favors Wentz. He was more productive than McCarthy in the preseason opener against the Giants, finishing 9 of 14 for 81 yards and a touchdown, while McCarthy went 4 of 7 for 34 yards. Multiple reports and commentary around the team describe Wentz as the current frontrunner, and the case is simple: Minnesota is trying to win now with Kyler Murray as QB1, and Wentz offers the more experienced, steadier option if Murray misses time. That said, McCarthy still has an opening. The Vikings’ own unofficial depth chart listed him ahead of Wentz, and Kevin O’Connell has said McCarthy has been taking the second-team reps in practice. McCarthy also flashed in joint work with Baltimore, including a successful two-minute drill touchdown throw in practice. If he carries that into the game, he can reassert himself as the developmental quarterback the Vikings still believe in. Baltimore matters because Murray is expected to sit, giving both reserves more evaluation time. Since Minnesota is using joint practices and preseason reps to sort out depth, this is less about one stat line and more about command, decision-making, and how cleanly each quarterback runs the offense. Wentz enters the weekend ahead. McCarthy can still steal the spotlight, but he likely needs the sharper overall outing to flip the backup race.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 18

Minnesota will hold Kyler Murray out of Saturday’s preseason game against Baltimore after he played only one series in the 13-10 win over the Giants.
That 10-play, 54-yard opening drive ended in a 35-yard field goal, and the Vikings are expected to treat upcoming joint practices with the Ravens as a bigger evaluation tool than the game itself.
Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy are set for more snaps as the team weighs its backup job; Wentz went 9-of-14 for 81 yards and a touchdown against New York, while McCarthy finished 4-of-7 for 34 yards.
Murray has rarely been used in August anyway, sitting out 18 of 23 career preseason games and never throwing or rushing for a preseason touchdown.