Overview
- The Vikings, which opened training camp Saturday, have not named a Week 1 starter and continue to evaluate Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in live practices.
- Murray has produced high-end throws, including a deep completion, but also had missed throws, miscommunications with receivers, and at least two poor center exchanges that led to fumbles.
- McCarthy has been steadier in early sessions, taking more second-unit snaps and focusing on shorter, safer throws while demonstrating greater comfort with Kevin O’Connell’s timing-heavy offense.
- Minnesota finalized a four-year, roughly $96 million extension for right tackle Brian O’Neill, rookie defensive tackle Domonique Orange showed conditioning concerns in the heat, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew drew positive attention in practice.
- Coaches will keep using camp and preseason reps to decide the starter because O’Connell’s system demands precise pre-snap work and clean exchanges, which could also influence roster moves or turnover-sensitive game plans.