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Vikings Push Quarterback Decision Into Training Camp

Coach Kevin O'Connell says extra time will allow camp reps, joint practices, preseason games to determine Minnesota's Week 1 starter.

Overview

  • O'Connell confirmed Thursday that the competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will continue into training camp under an internal timeline with no public decision date.
  • The coach said reps will be allocated differently in camp and that both quarterbacks could see game action in the preseason as part of the evaluation.
  • Kyler Murray has said splitting reps has slowed his learning of the offense, and Justin Jefferson plans to work with both quarterbacks this summer to build chemistry before camp.
  • Reporters who attended recent open practices noted neither quarterback clearly outperformed the other and that Murray threw multiple interceptions during mandatory minicamp drills.
  • The team is expected to use the Aug. 15 preseason opener and joint practices with Baltimore in mid-August as key turning points, with Murray's one-year deal and McCarthy's rookie control shaping roster, trade and contract options depending on the outcome.