RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. As the Minnesota Vikings wrap up their preseason on Friday night, speculation has swirled about backup quarterback JJ McCarthy and his future with the team.
McCarthy was the team's choice as starter when last season began, but was unable to develop into the type of quarterback the Vikings had hoped for. In 10 starts, he achieved a 6-4 record, but he was also plagued by injuries, including missing five games with a high ankle sprain.
With the Vikings finishing their season at 9-8 and failing to reach the playoffs, it necessitated a change in the offseason. They signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, who won the starting job earlier this month.
ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler shared an intriguing update on McCarthy and his future amid trade speculation.
Fowler noted that McCarthy was dealing with ‘a bit of an ankle issue,’ raising questions about whether he would play in the Vikings' preseason finale against the Denver Broncos on Friday night. A report from ESPN's Kevin Seifert on Friday night said McCarthy would not play.
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Fowler also wondered about McCarthy's spot on the team's depth chart, whether it might be second behind Murray or third behind veteran Carson Wentz.
"There is some uncertainty right now in that quarterback room right now as to what McCarthy's role is," he shared.
McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns in his 10 games last season, but also threw 12 interceptions and was sacked 27 times.
He's now heading into the third year of his four-year rookie deal , and with his role unclear, Minnesota could have reason to trade him. A lingering ankle issue after last season's injury woes might make teams cautious, but ESPN reported that a source said the Vikings don't consider it a long-term issue.
Regarding a trade, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said Friday that he was unaware of any "trade in the works" involving McCarthy and hadn't heard of the Vikings QB requesting the team trade him.
While Rapoport suggested that it might be beneficial for McCarthy to continue learning head coach Kevin O'Connell's system to play for the team, the NFL insider also indicated, "it is fair to say it is to be determined on where J.J. McCarthy is next."
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