Minnesota Vikings News

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J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Holds Vikings' No. 2 Quarterback Job for Now

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy remains the team's No. 2 for now, according to Kevin Seifert. Head coach Kevin O'Connell made McCarthy's standing clear Wednesday, though he also said he wants the quarterback room to stay competitive and did not completely rule out revisiting things. McCarthy worked with the second-team offense in Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants, completing 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards. He started 10 games last season and finished with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding four more scores on the ground. The Vikings still want competition behind their starter, but McCarthy is the one holding the backup job at the moment. That keeps him on the radar in dynasty and Superflex formats, though his immediate path to playing time remains limited.

10 hours ago

Kyler Murray • QB • Vikings

Kyler Murray Building Chemistry With Vikings' Top Target

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray kept looking for Justin Jefferson during Wednesday's joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens, according to Kevin Seifert. The pair connected a couple of times in 7-on-7 work, but the full-team periods were tougher with Marlon Humphrey tight in coverage. That was more of a difficult practice than a warning sign. Minnesota had already noted clear chemistry between Murray and Jefferson in consecutive practices last week, with the two connecting at multiple levels of the field. Murray was named the Vikings' starter Aug. 11, so these reps matter as he settles into Kevin O'Connell's offense. Jefferson is coming off an 84-catch, 1,048-yard season with only two touchdowns, his sixth straight year over 1,000 yards. A tougher day against Baltimore doesn't erase the work they've already put together. Murray continuing to look Jefferson's way is still the part fantasy managers should care about most.

10 hours ago

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Not Assured of Backup Quarterback Role in Minnesota?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered training camp competing for his team's QB1 role, but the Vikings have already announced that veteran Kyler Murray will be the team's Week 1 starter. While Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that McCarthy would be the team's backup when he named Murray the starter, Minnesota also currently rosters veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz. Alec Lewis of The Athletic speculates that Wentz "could give O'Connell some pause" after his steady performance in the Vikings' first preseason game on Saturday. Wentz threw for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns across five starts for the Vikings last season. He also has 103 games (99 starts) under his belt across 10 NFL seasons, while McCarthy has played in just 10 games since being drafted in the first round in 2024. At this point, McCarthy's dynasty value would likely be best served by a chance in scenery.

Yesterday

Jamal Adams • LB • Vikings

Jamal Adams Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury

Minnesota Vikings safety Jamal Adams (knee) has been diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Adams initially suffered the non-contact injury during the Vikings' first game of the preseason. The 30-year-old had signed with Minnesota this past offseason after spending 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders, with whom he logged 44 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. There was plenty of excitement about his upside in a defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, so it's disappointing to see his season end before it even really began. Rookie Jakobe Thomas (back) figures to earn more defensive snaps in Adams' absence.

3 days ago

Demond Claiborne • RB • Vikings

Demond Claiborne Leads Vikings In Rushing Saturday

Running back Demond Claiborne of the Minnesota Vikings earned a team-high 12 carries for 34 yards in the club's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Playing mostly behind the Vikings' backups on the offensive line, Claiborne still showed some juice despite limited space to run, including a nine-yard burst that gained a first down to set up Minnesota's lone touchdown. The rookie will begin the season behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, though his impressive speed and receiving potential give him a chance to win playing time in a backfield with two veterans on expiring deals. Claiborne, a sixth-round pick, has serious long-term potential in dynasty formats, but he also could be a high-priority waiver candidate in redraft leagues if either Jones or Mason misses extended time.

4 days ago

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Jordan Mason Sharp In Limited Action

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason continued a strong summer on Saturday against the New York Giants with 17 yards on three carries in the first-team offense's only drive of the day. The second-year Viking has been impressive in training camp as the club appears to be headed for a split backfield that includes veteran Aaron Jones Sr. With just 28 receptions in his past three seasons -- and Jones still the Vikings' top choice on passing downs -- Mason's ceiling will be somewhat limited by his lack of passing game work, particularly in PPR leagues. A popular choice for the zeroRB strategy, however, Mason has 1,000-yard potential and a pathway to regular goal-line touches on a talented offense, all from a mid-round ADP.

4 days ago

Myles Price • WR • Vikings

Myles Price Making Push For Bigger Receiving Role?

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price logged an impressive preseason debut by catching all four of his targets for 51 yards and a touchdown on Saturday against the New York Giants. An undrafted free agent from Indiana, Price made the Vikings' 53-man roster last season and finished third in the NFL in kick return yards. The second-year pro is now competing with Tai Felton and Jeshaun Jones for a secondary receiving role in the Vikings' offense, and Price's team-best 28-yard reception and acrobatic touchdown catch on Saturday certainly helped his cause. Still firmly behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, Price won't factor into most standard formats, but he's a name worth knowing in formats that score return yards and deeper dynasty leagues.

4 days ago

Kyler Murray • QB • Vikings |

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Kyler Murray Showing Strong Chemistry With Top Receiver

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Justin Jefferson have given the offense some encouraging signs during training camp. MLFootball said the two have "looked elite together," and there have been several plays to back up the growing chemistry. Earlier in camp, Murray gave Jefferson a chance on a deep ball into double coverage during a two-minute drill, and Jefferson went up between two defenders before taking it into the end zone. Murray also found him for about 20 yards on a high-pointed curl Tuesday, the same day he was officially named Minnesota's starting quarterback. Jefferson is coming off a down year by his standards, finishing 2025 with 84 catches for 1,048 yards and only two touchdowns. Murray played just five games for Arizona last season before a foot injury ended his year. There is a long way to go before camp connections mean anything on Sundays, but Murray and Jefferson getting comfortable with each other this quickly is a good start.

6 days ago

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Jordan Mason's Solid Summer Continues

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has been lauded throughout training camp as an offensive standout, and on a Wednesday practice in which the running game was clicking, he was once again credited with the play of the day by team writer Rob Kleifield. Taking advantage of perfectly executed blocking against the second-team defense, he showed off some burst and ran untouched for a long score. The 230-pounder also displayed physicality and balance on a big gain against the starting defense. On a day when Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. were listed as co-starters on the Vikings' first unofficial depth chart, both players were credited by Kleifield with productive outings. Ever a standout pass-catcher, Jones is now 31 years old, and there is at least some expectation that the two backs could settle into clearly defined roles for 2026, with Mason the between-the-tackles bruiser and Jones as more of a passing-downs specialist, potentially providing fantasy managers with matchup-based clues on when to lean on either. Gaining steam throughout training camp, Mason has risen to RB36 by current ADP.

6 days ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson's Rapport With New QB "Seems to be Growing"

Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kyler Murray had another crisp day of training camp practice on Wednesday that included a number of connections with top wide receiver Justin Jefferson, according to Vikings beat writer Will Ragatz. "Their rapport seems to be growing," Ragatz wrote. Jefferson is no stranger to working with a lot of different signal-callers during his six years in the NFL -- this will be the fourth different QB he's worked with for the fourth straight season. The 27-year-old former 22nd overall pick from LSU has produced with all of the different QBs in Minnesota, recording a 1,000-yard season in all six of his seasons to this point, including a whopping 42 touchdown receptions in 94 regular-season games. Jefferson had a career-low 1,048 receiving yards and only two touchdowns in 17 starts a year ago, but the four-time Pro Bowler should be primed for a bounce-back in 2026 with Murray, who might be the most talented all-around QB he's worked with, if he can stay healthy. Jefferson is a no-brainer top-10 fantasy WR and is ranked No. 6 at his position at RotoBaller.

7 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings |

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. Listed as Co-Starter on Unofficial Depth Chart

Minnesota Vikings running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are listed as co-starters on the team's unofficial depth chart. Both backs split carries nearly evenly last season, with Jones averaging 11 carries per game and Mason averaging 9.9. However, the tides are turning at Vikings' training camp, with most sideline reporters saying Mason looks like the clear RB1 and that he's "taking a leap" in camp. The former 49ers' back averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, while the former Packer posted a career-low 4.2 yards per carry. With Mason looking like he could handle goal-line work and receive more carries overall, Jones is likely too high a price in 2026. While the offense is set to improve with Kyler Murray at quarterback, Jones may still not have the workload to live up to his ADP in 2026.

7 days ago

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Wants to Stay in Minnesota After Losing QB Competition

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy said losing the QB competition to Kyler Murray was "out of my control" and that he wants to stay with the organization, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. With veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz also on the roster, a trade could become a possibility. "This is the place I want to be," McCarthy said. "And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase. And I'm going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization." The Vikings drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Michigan. He missed his entire rookie season after having knee surgery, and he started only 10 games last year while dealing with injuries. Murray was the heavy favorite to win the QB job in Minnesota this year after McCarthy threw 11 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions last season. If Murray stays healthy and rebounds in the Vikings' offense, McCarthy's best path back to fantasy relevance might be a trade out of town.

7 days ago

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

Kevin O'Connell Believes J.J. McCarthy has a "Future With the Organization"

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lost out to Kyler Murray in the battle for the starting job in training camp this summer, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said he believes McCarthy "has a future with the organization," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 23-year-old former 10th overall pick from the University of Michigan missed his entire rookie season in 2024 after having knee surgery, and he struggled mightily in just 10 games started last year in his first season in the starting role, completing 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His struggles prompted the Vikes to sign Murray to a one-year deal in free agency in the offseason. Minnesota officially named Murray as their QB1 on Tuesday. For now, McCarthy will sit and learn behind Murray, but his next opportunity could come sooner rather than later if Murray's injury issues from a year ago resurface. For now, though, McCarthy is undraftable in redraft leagues, and his fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper formats has reached a new low.

Aug 11

Kyler Murray • QB • Vikings

Vikings Name Kyler Murray as Their Starting QB

The Minnesota Vikings have named Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Things had been trending this way early in training camp, even though J.J. McCarthy had his fair share of positive throws in practice since the start of the summer. The 29-year-old Murray was brought in on a one-year deal in March to push McCarthy for the starting job after McCarthy struggled mightily with accuracy, decision-making, and injuries in 2025 in his first full year as the starter in Minnesota. Murray, the former first overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, has the experience edge, more dual-threat abilities, and has apparently shown enough in head coach Kevin O'Connell's offensive system to win the job early in camp. Murray has high-end rushing upside and will also be working with the best WR duo in his career in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Now that he's officially been named the starter, Murray's fantasy football stock will rise heading into upcoming drafts as a high-end QB2 with upside for QB1 production in his new home with the Vikings.

Aug 11

Jordan Addison • WR • Vikings

Jordan Addison Close to Full Participation Following Thumb Injury

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that wide receiver Jordan Addison (thumb) will be "close to full participation" in the team's night practice, according to Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Addison has been dealing with a minor thumb injury in training camp that has kept him out of practices recently, but the 24-year-old should be a full-go sooner rather than later. The former 23rd overall pick in 2023 from USC struggled with injuries and consistency amidst the Vikings' issues at the quarterback position last year, ultimately finishing with career lows across the board in catches (42), targets (79), receiving yards (610), and touchdowns (three) in 14 games played. It's unclear who will win the QB competition in camp between veteran Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, but it's notable that Addison spent extended time working with Murray in the offseason as he looks to bounce back in 2026. Addison will continue to operate in the shadow of All-Pro Justin Jefferson, but with Murray trending toward starting in Minnesota, Addison will have some intriguing value in fantasy drafts this year with a WR3/flex price tag.

Aug 10

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Jordan Mason a Standout Throughout Vikings Camp

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason led the team in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, and after arriving at training camp in exceptional shape, he's drawn the praise of beat reporters throughout the summer, with The Athletic's Alec Lewis the most recent to label him as a camp standout. Listing Mason as one of four running backs to make the team in his latest 53-man roster projection, Lewis points out the explosiveness he's shown in team drills while also acknowledging the trust that head coach Kevin O'Connell has in veteran Aaron Jones Sr. Jones is now 31 years old and missed five games in 2025, so the team could opt to keep him fresh in his 10th season by limiting some of his between-the-tackles touches and using him more in the passing game, opening an opportunity for Mason to claim the bulk of early-down and goal-line work. At RotoBaller's RB37, Mason is a late-round target with double-digit touchdown potential in what should be an improved Vikings offense.

Aug 10

Kyler Murray • QB • Vikings |

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Outperforms Kyler Murray on Sunday Night

During the team's Sunday Night practice, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy had the upper hand over veteran Kyler Murray. McCarthy got off to a red-hot start but cooled off at the end, while Murray threw multiple interceptions. This quarterback controversy appeared to be heading in the former Cardinals quarterback's favor in recent days, but McCarthy is making it interesting as both push to be the starter for the 2026 season. In five games last season, Murray threw for 962 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while McCarthy was an interception machine, throwing 17 in 10 games. Although Murray remains the favorite to win the job, both quarterbacks will need to perform in the preseason to be the Week 1 starter.

Aug 9

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy is Looking Good During Sunday's Practice

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is off to a hot start during Sunday's practice. According to Will Ragatz, McCarthy is looking strong and made an impressive throw to Myles Price to the left side during 7-on-7 drills. It seems like the Vikings are committed to having McCarthy and Kyler Murray compete for the starting gig in training camp. Over the last week, McCarthy was doing more work as the No. 2 quarterback, but his strong play on Sunday could help his argument to become the starter. The Vikings obviously want to wait and see how the quarterbacks do in preseason game action before they make a final decision. Murray remains the favorite to start with McCarthy still needing some time to develop.

Aug 9

Demond Claiborne • RB • Vikings

Demond Claiborne Building Momentum and Seeing More Work

Minnesota Vikings sixth-round rookie running back Demond Claiborne missed some time early in camp with an undisclosed ailment that left him working on a side field, but he had the play of the day on Saturday, outrunning the defense for a 60-yard score after making a move at the point of attack. The touchdown came with mostly backups on the field, but Claiborne has stood out in recent days through his heavy involvement as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield, occasionally even mixing in with the first-team offense. He has also shown juice in the return game, and he's a player who could impress in the team's first preseason game on August 15. Still firmly behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. on the depth chart, Claiborne offers little standalone value for 2026, but showcasing multiple paths to fantasy relevance, he could find his way into waiver conversations by season's end while remaining a worthwhile dynasty stash.

Aug 9

Jauan Jennings • WR • Vikings

Jauan Jennings Is Worth a Late-Round Bet in Minnesota

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings is going late enough in drafts that last year's drop in yardage shouldn't scare fantasy managers away. Jennings caught 55 passes for 643 yards in 15 games for San Francisco, but he also scored a career-high nine touchdowns while playing through a collection of injuries that included five broken ribs. That came one year after he posted 77 catches for 975 yards. Minnesota doesn't need Jennings to be its top receiver with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison around, and T.J. Hockenson gives whichever quarterback wins the job another established target. There is still room for Jennings to matter, though. He gives the Vikings a physical veteran underneath and has shown he can produce when his role expands. The unsettled competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray adds some uncertainty, but the price has already accounted for plenty of it. RotoBaller ranks Jennings 147th overall in half-PPR, while his current consensus ADP sits at 173.9. At that point in a draft, his track record is worth taking a chance on.

Aug 8

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