Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy underwent a 2nd surgical procedure on his injured right knee this week as he continues to recover from a torn meniscus suffered prior to the start of the season.
Minnesota was quick to point out that while the surgery was the result of swelling around McCarthy’s knee as a result of increased physical activity, that it shouldn’t affect his return to play timeline for next year.
“As his rehab has picked up, we noticed a little swelling in there and just with the time that we do have … we just wanted to make sure there was no cause for concern,” said Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. “All reports were very positive and he’s on the original timetable and in good shape.”
The former Michigan Wolverine was the favourite to begin the season as Minnesota’s starting QB prior to suffering an injury in his preseason debut. Since then, Sam Darnold has helped guide the team to a 7-2 record while passing for 2,141 yards and 17 TDs.
Darnold signed with the Vikings in the offseason on a 1 year, $10M contract, and will become a free agent at seasons end. However, his strong play with Minnesota will likely mean that another NFL club will be more than willing to sign him to a lucrative deal next spring.
His situation isn’t all that dissimilar to how Baker Mayfield’s “prove it” year went with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Like Darnold, Mayfield had bounced around between clubs before finding a home in Florida, and helping guide the Bucs to the postseason. Tampa Bay then rewarded the former Heisman winner with a 3 year, $100M contract extension.
With McCarthy appearing ready to return to full health in 2025, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell calling him a “franchise quarterback”, it would appear as though Darnold will be playing the remainder of the season for his next contract as Minnesota battles Detroit for top spot in the NFC North.
Photo: Maize & Blue Nation. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.