J.J. McCarthy

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis said Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy “definitely” won’t start in Week 1.

This doesn’t come as much of a surprise after the Vikings made it clear this spring that McCarthy is being brought along slowly and is something of a long-term project who isn’t close to ready for the NFL game. Darnold, who was good in his last starting opportunity in Carolina two seasons ago, will have every chance to be Minnesota’s starter throughout 2024. “If Darnold is dominating, dishing the ball easily and limiting turnovers, and the Vikings are winning, why mess with the chemistry or team trajectory?” Lewis said, adding there’s a chance McCarthy won’t see any playing time as a rookie after being taken with the 10th pick in the 2024 draft. “Similarly, if Darnold is struggling, and the Vikings are not competitive, it’ll be difficult for O’Connell to quiet the noise for McCarthy.”