Vikings Make Stunning Move in Preseason Camp

The Minnesota Vikings finally did it. The Vikings appear have decided to split reps between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy with the second team offense, per ESPN insider Kevin Seifert.

Whether or not the move is significant is in the eye of the beholder. Nobody knows if the rep counts have that much meaning, but that Wentz is working with McCarthy with the second group sends a strong signal that it's possible Wentz could win the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

We have certainly been vocal that Wentz perhaps should be the second quarterback given he is more game-ready. That is not to discount McCarthy's talent, but only his NFL readiness.

Chris Spiering of Clutch Points discussed the movement on the quarterback rep counts. Here's some of what he had to say.

"McCarthy has already lost the starting job to Kyler Murray. Now, instead of receiving the majority of the second-team work, he is sharing those opportunities with Wentz.

This does not necessarily mean Wentz has officially passed McCarthy on the depth chart. Minnesota could simply be evaluating both quarterbacks or helping Wentz become more comfortable in the offense. It would be unfair to draw a firm conclusion from one abbreviated practice in August.

Still, the Vikings’ decision is worth monitoring. If McCarthy were firmly established as Murray’s primary backup, there would seemingly be little reason to divide the second-team work evenly. Giving Wentz those snaps suggests the veteran has at least entered the competition for the No. 2 role. McCarthy does have an undisclosed injury from last week's preseason game, where he did not play well.

Wentz’s experience could give him an advantage if the Vikings need someone to replace Murray during the regular season. He has started 94 NFL games and would likely be viewed as the safer short-term option if Minnesota believes it can contend immediately."

In a relatively brief Vikings practice (80 minutes) today, J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz split second-team reps.

Who knows what the Vikings will opt to do with the No. 2 spot? We had a good idea Murray would be the starter, but dropping your No. 1 draft pick from two years ago from starter to third string at least feels like a significant move.

What the Vikings cannot have is sub-150-yard passing days become the rule rather than the exception. They need their quarterbacks' passing totals to be living in the 200 yards or more range.

The quarterback competition is not over. We'll see who ends up in the No. 2 role by the start of the season.