NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) looks on after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 22, 2026.
EAGAN, Minn. — The plan all along for head coach Kevin O’Connell was to have quarterback JJ McCarthy to start for the Vikings in the final exhibition game against the Denver Broncos.
That might no longer be possible.
McCarthy suffered a minor ankle injury in last Saturday’s exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens and didn’t suit up for the final practice of training camp on Wednesday at TCO Performance Center. The Vikings made the decision with hope that the extra rest would help McCarthy play Friday night in Denver.
“That’s the goal,” O’Connell said. “If we can’t get him there, we can’t get him there.”
That decision will depend on how McCarthy’s ankle responds to treatment. McCarthy was seen on the sidelines with the other quarterbacks during Wednesday’s practice.
“I still look at these reps for young players as really important,” O’Connell said. “Just for him to go out there and move the ball and move the team and put the ball in the end zone.”
If McCarthy is unable to play, it sounds as if veteran quarterback Carson Wentz will get some reps in before passing the torch to Max Brosmer.
Here are more takeaways from Day 19 of training camp:
How did Kyler Murray look?
There were a number of highlights from quarterback Kyler Murray during an intense practice that closely resembled a scrimmage for prolonged stretches.
The most impressive throw came when he dropped a dime to star receiver Justin Jefferson deep down the left sideline. The pass had a perfect trajectory and landed into the waiting arms of Jefferson for a touchdown.
Murray made another notable throw to Jefferson in the red zone that went for a score. It featured Murray hitting his back foot and firing within the rhythm and timing of the route before finding Jefferson in the back of the end zone.
Murray’s biggest misfires were missing tight end Josh Oliver on a route up the seam and an interception by cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. on a throw near the left sideline.
That said, Murray still put a lot more good than bad on tape, providing the Vikings with a reason to feel good about where he’s at in his development in the offense. That offers an encouraging sign about how the offense as a whole could perform moving forward.
How did J.J. McCarthy look?
The only action McCarthy got in came when he threw the ball around with the other quarterbacks during warmups. He was spotted on the sideline throughout practice. He did not appear to be walking with a limp.
Who else stood out?
After suffering a torn quad tendon a couple of weeks ago during the exhibition game against the New York Giants, veteran defender Jamal Adams was spotted at practice wheeling around on a motorized scooter. He made his presence felt whether he was chatting with safety Josh Metellus on the field or dapping up general manager Nolan Teasley on the sideline.
It’s clear that Adams will continue to be a part of the Vikings even if he won’t be able to put on the pads.
The best quote
“I’ve had my weekly dialogues and discussions with him that have ranged to a lot of different topics,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on his communication with veteran safety Harrison Smith, who is contemplating retirement but hasn’t ruled out a return
The injury report
The only issue that popped up for the Vikings in practice was running back Jordan Mason going down with what appeared to be a minor ankle injury. He was slow to get up after a run in the red zone, got taped up by a trainer, and was spotted running on the sideline in the immediate aftermath.
Rookie left tackle Caleb Tiernan and safety Theo Jackson continue to work through ailments, and the Vikings are hopeful they will be able to return for the Sept. 13 opener against the Green Bay Packers.
What’s next?
After traveling to Denver on Thursday, the Vikings will play the Broncos on Friday at Empower Field.
____________________________________
This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here.