India, Sept. 14 -- J.J. McCarthy is inactive for the Minnesota Vikings' Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The decision is not related to an injury.

McCarthy is listed as the Vikings' emergency third quarterback behind starter Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz. He can only enter the game if both Murray and Wentz are unable to play because of an injury, illness or ejection.

McCarthy lost the starting job to Murray during training camp and the preseason. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell then chose the more experienced Wentz as the primary backup, leaving McCarthy as QB3 for Week 1.

O'Connell has said the backup quarterback role could change from week to week.

McCarthy also had an inconsistent 2025 season, throwing for ...