We learned this week that J.J. McCarthy will be the backup quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings to begin the 2026 season, with newcomer Kyler Murray winning the job ahead of the team’s first preseason game.
For those who have paid close attention to the Vikings in recent years, the move shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. It’s never seemed like head coach Kevin O’Connell was sold on McCarthy, and with O’Connell’s track record with quarterbacks, his evaluation holds weight.
J.J. McCarthy Still Wants to Be in Minnesota Despite Losing QB1 Job
Still, McCarthy is saying the right things. When asked this week, the former first-rounder says that Minnesota is the place he wants to be.
“Like I said before, this is the place I want to be,” McCarthy said, via Vikings reporter Will Ragatz (via Twitter/X). “I love every single person in this building. I love this state. I love the fanbase. I’m going to keep continuing to do what I can for this team and organization.”
When McCarthy met with reporters on Wednesday, he kept the conversation on his development and supporting the team.
“A decision was made that was out of my control,” McCarthy said. “Obviously, every competitor wants to play. But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and staying ready for when my number is called.”
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY SportsMcCarthy’s NFL career has been tumultuous from the start. He tore his meniscus during his first preseason game in 2024, which ended his rookie season. He was named the starting quarterback last season after Sam Darnold departed for Seattle in free agency last offseason. He dealt with ankle and hand injuries last season, and the Vikings ultimately missed the playoffs, prompting the team to search for a solution on the open market during the offseason, eventually landing on Murray.
For the time being, he’s the backup in Minnesota. He has this season and next left on his rookie deal, and Minnesota does hold a fifth-year option, but the likelihood of that being exercised is probably slim to none right now.
Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to LSU
A report from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach on Wednesday says that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, informing his alma mater that they can no longer use his name, image, and likeness.
The letter, dated August 5, reportedly resulted from LSU issuing Daniels’ No. 5 to cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels’ number isn’t retired at LSU, but hasn’t been worn since he was drafted in 2024.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” a statement from Daniels’ spokesperson said. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.”
Daniels posted a statement on Instagram on Thursday, saying that there are “issues to be worked out between my team and LSU,” and that he’s “locked in on training camp,” and his “sole focus is on Commanders’ football.”
Former #LSU QB Jayden Daniels weighs in on the recent controversy surrounding his number. pic.twitter.com/OFR160SImM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2026Rib Injury Will Sideline Carson Beck
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck was impressive during his preseason debut last week in Canton, Ohio, at the Hall of Fame Game. Still, his encore performance will have to wait. A rib injury will keep him out of Arizona’s preseason tilt against the Raiders this weekend.
Beck completed 15-of-19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown last week against the Panthers. Beck was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. As of now, he’s behind Jacoby Brissett on the depth chart in Arizona, but Brissett is a bridge option for the Cardinals, and giving Beck as much evaluation runway as possible would bode well for the Cardinals.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said earlier this week that Brissett and the healthy starters would play against Vegas this week. Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis (who went undrafted in 2024 and spent time in the UFL with the D.C. Defenders) are also on the Cardinals’ roster.
Carson Beck (19) warms up before playing the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesExtra Points
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said that starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play in Kansas City’s preseason game against the Rams. That means it’ll be Justin Fields for the Chiefs this week. Tight end Darren Waller agreed to a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. Waller came out of retirement last season after he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. The veteran tight end caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns for the Dolphins while battling injuries. He joins a tight end room in Carolina that features Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold visited the New York Giants on Wednesday. Here’s what head coach John Harbaugh had to say: “We want to be aggressive in every way, whatever we can do, find anything out we can about any situation or player that can help us be better.” Arnold was released by the Lions in June, shortly after an arrest following multiple felony charges of robbery and kidnapping. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start under center for the Falcons on Friday night in their preseason tilt with the Broncos. Saints rookie wide receiver Jordan Tyson left practice early on Thursday with an injury. ESPN’s story by Katherine Terrell has more.Hence then, the article about around the nfl j j mccarthy wants to be in minnesota jayden daniels sends cease and desist to lsu more was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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