J.J. McCarthy did not suit up for the Minnesota Vikings’ final preseason game, but the issue is not expected to be a big one. With McCarthy looking to regain the form that made him a top-10 draft pick, attention has now shifted to his place on Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart.
Meanwhile, CBS broadcaster and former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt appeared to accidentally reveal the Vikings’ Week 1 plans in the QB2 spot, sparking an immediate reaction from football fans.
J.J. Watt Sparks J.J. McCarthy Panic With Apparent Vikings QB Depth Chart Leak
Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings when they meet the Green Bay Packers, while McCarthy has been battling Carson Wentz for the backup position.
The Vikings have not yet released their official depth chart for Week 1, but Watt recently posted a photo of his preparations for the season opener, which may have given a hint.
You can start to feel it in the air… pic.twitter.com/gtOeOnLyKo
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 3, 2026
Fans quickly spotted that Watt’s lineup listed Wentz as the No. 2 quarterback instead of McCarthy. The apparent placement fueled reactions throughout the NFL community.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
“Hahaha! JJ just spoiled the news that Wentz is QB2. McCarthy has been relegated to third-string,” a fan said.
Hahaha! JJ just spoiled the news that Wentz is QB2. McCarthy has been relegated to third-string 😂 https://t.co/yczFgh76q6
— Land of 10,000 Takes (@TurfGuyz) September 4, 2026
“JJ McCarthy confirmed QB3,” one said.
“Mr. Watt is about to get a call from Mr. (Kevin) O’Connell for spoiling his QB2 plans,” wrote Adam Patrick.
Mr. Watt is about to get a call from Mr. O’Connell for spoiling his QB2 plans https://t.co/y2WVcJQFyZ pic.twitter.com/kSn7z5fGB9
— Adam Patrick (@adampatrickNFL) September 4, 2026
“Accidentally leaked that JJ is QB3 lol,” one added.
Minnesota selected McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history. However, his early NFL career has not gone according to plan.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
A torn meniscus in his right knee forced McCarthy to miss his entire rookie season. He returned last year but appeared in only 10 games, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
McCarthy ultimately finished No. 34 in PFN’s QB Impact rankings last season, securing a 67.0 grade. Those struggles made the possibility of McCarthy falling to third string less surprising to some fans.
“Is anyone actually surprised lmao,” a fan said.
Is anyone actually surprised lmao
— Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins Enjoyer (@WillHowardGuy) September 4, 2026
“Damn, JJ can’t even get QB2… he’s cooked,” a person said.
However, Watt later addressed the speculation after a fan asked why McCarthy was missing from the depth chart.
“Because this depth chart is currently just a placeholder until we get some real information next week. He didn’t play in the final preseason game, which is around the time I was putting this together, so I slotted Wentz in there. This will all change by gameday,” Watt wrote.
Meanwhile, speculation has continued about whether the Vikings could eventually move on from McCarthy. However, general manager Nolan Teasley said on Wednesday that he expects the quarterback to remain on Minnesota’s roster when the regular season begins.
