The beginning of JJ McCarthy’s career as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback has hit a significant obstacle. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the rookie will need surgery for a meniscus tear in his right knee, delaying his much-anticipated debut in the NFL.
Preseason Setback
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, sustained the injury during the Vikings’ first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell broke the news, explaining that McCarthy’s recovery timeline would depend on the surgery’s findings.
“But as far as a timeline on the injury, that will be determined during the procedure, based upon whether it can just be a cleanup or potentially a repair,” O’Connell said during a virtual press conference. “That won’t be able to be determined until that procedure takes place. I would just be speculating on a timeline for a return at this point.”
McCarthy’s Message and Expert Insights
Following the announcement, McCarthy took to social media to reassure fans: “Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati.”
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport provided further insights, indicating that McCarthy could miss only a few weeks if the meniscus is trimmed. However, a full repair would sideline him for “many months.”
Injury Details and McCarthy’s Grit
McCarthy was absent from Monday’s practice due to knee soreness, raising concerns. O’Connell did not pinpoint a specific play that caused the injury but commended McCarthy for his resilience.
“I credit JJ for obviously being able to continue to play. He did not come out of the game from the injury,” O’Connell noted. “He finished his night with his second touchdown pass and, at that point, had reached the snap count I was hoping to get him for the game. At no time did he think it was something that would take him out of the football game, not allow him to play.”
Draft Day Dreams and Veteran Backup
The Vikings had traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure McCarthy, hoping he would lead the team after his stellar performance at Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to the 2023 CFP National Championship.
In the offseason, the team signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick. With McCarthy sidelined, Darnold is expected to start Minnesota’s season.
The Coach’s Plan Interrupted
O’Connell shared his disappointment over the interruption of McCarthy’s development. “I was going to continue through that with JJ on the field – getting more and more reps and coming off a performance like he had where we felt strong about where he was in his development process,” O’Connell said. “So, really, you hurt for him in the short-term here because he had such a daily process, focus, all those things I was looking for in a young player at the position.”
Future Prospects
When asked about bringing in another quarterback, O’Connell was noncommittal, expressing strong confidence in Darnold. “My confidence in Sam is very high,” he stated.
The delay in JJ McCarthy’s NFL debut is undoubtedly a setback for the Vikings and their fans. However, with his determined attitude and the team’s confidence in their current lineup, the Vikings are hopeful for a swift and successful recovery for their rookie star.
