The NFL debut of J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ highly-touted rookie quarterback, will be put on hold due to a significant injury. The former Michigan standout has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, a setback that will require surgical intervention.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the news, stating that McCarthy’s recovery timeline will depend on the extent of the damage revealed during the surgery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the severity of the tear could determine how much time the young quarterback will miss.
McCarthy, selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcased his potential in his preseason debut last weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 18 rushing yards on two carries. He had been in close competition with veteran Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback role, a position left open after Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons during free agency this offseason.
The injury first came to light when McCarthy missed Monday’s practice due to knee soreness. This unfortunate turn of events follows a stellar college career where McCarthy led the Michigan Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997, securing a decisive 34-13 victory over Washington in the title game.
As McCarthy heads into surgery, the Vikings and their fans will anxiously await further updates on his recovery and the impact this will have on the team’s quarterback situation moving forward.