Kevin O’Connell spoke out on J.J. McCarthy’s status with the Vikings after naming Kyler Murray as the team’s starting quarterback on Tuesday.
The Minnesota head coach emphasized that McCarthy’s development remains a work in progress despite the flashes he has shown during his short time in the league.
“He’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games,” O’Connell told reporters. “He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp with the work he’s put in and his comfort level, just growing a little bit day in and day out. Very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day and coach him.”
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell talks to reporters during the team’s NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
At the same time, he made clear the Vikings need McCarthy to be ready if his number is called sooner than expected.
“As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story and we’re gonna support him and try to just help him continue to improve at the most difficult position in sports. He’s gotta also understand, this isn’t just a long-term mindset, which we want to have always for a player of his caliber and a young player like him but it could be an immediate response needed. J.J.’s the kind of guy that’ll be ready to rock and roll. I know that.”
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hasn’t lived up to the hype he had coming out of Michigan.
After missing the 2024 season with a torn meniscus, McCarthy appeared in 10 games last year, going 6-4 while throwing 11 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions.
J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during Training Camp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 01, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. Getty Images
Injuries were a persistent issue for McCarthy last season as well, missing five games with a high ankle sprain and later sitting out with a concussion and hairline fracture in his throwing hand.
With McCarthy’s play and health in question, the Vikings brought in Murray on a one-year deal this offseason after he was released by the Cardinals.
