The Vikings aren’t ready to give up on J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota general manager Nolan Teasley made that clear on Wednesday when he expressed confidence that the young quarterback will remain on the team’s roster while stressing that his focus remains on his development.
“J.J. McCarthy’s role is to continue to develop, to improve and to support his teammates,” Teasley told reporters during a press conference. “And he’s done an excellent job of that from the moment that I’ve been here and, from my understanding, since he walked through the door.”
Teasley kept it short when pressed about McCarthy’s roster potential.
“I do,” Teasley said when asked if McCarthy would be a Viking come Week 1.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024, is expected to be the Vikings’ third-string quarterback behind starter Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
The Michigan product has had a rocky start to his NFL career after missing all of his first season with a torn meniscus in his right knee.
He appeared in just 10 games last season thanks to a high ankle sprain and concussion.
The injury bug followed him into the preseason when he suffered an ankle injury in Minnesota’s second game, although Teasley confirmed he returned to practice this week.
“He’s really talented,” Teasley said. “I think I said that from the jump. He was picked in the first round for a reason. Really good arm strength, underrated athlete and looking forward to how he continues to develop in this system.
“I think that the thing you need to keep in mind with J.J. is that he has the hardest job in sports. He’s only started 10 games and his story’s not written.”
