Minnesota Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy, who was expected to compete for the Week 1 starter role, will require surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.
While Minnesota has stopped short of classifying the severity of the injury, citing only that they’d know more when the procedure is performed, the possibility that McCathy could be out long term remains very real. The Vikings confirmed Tuesday that the former Michigan Wolverine sustained the injury in the team’s last preseason game.
Depending on whether McCarthy only requires a trim or a complete repair will affect whether he’ll be sidelined for a few weeks or miss the entire season.
“That’s totally, totally a medical decision,” head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters. “Certainly, what’s best for the long-term health of J.J. McCarthy will be the priority. I don’t have that answer and really won’t be a part of determining that answer. … I have total complete trust in our medical staff and also the people that will be performing the procedure.”
The Vikings drafted McCarthy 10th overall this year after parting ways with longtime starter Kirk Cousins, who joined the Atlanta Falcons during free agency.
Regardless of the severity of the injury, the procedure all but ensures that veteran Sam Darnold will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in Week 1. Darnold signed a one-year contract with Minnesota worth $10 million in March after spending 2023 as a backup with the San Francisco.
Across a 66 game NFL career, Darnold has amassed a 21-35 record with 12,064 passing yards, 63 TDs and 56 INTs with the 49ers, Jets, and Panthers.
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