A rough start to the NFL career of J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will undergo surgery after tearing his right meniscus, the team announced Tuesday.
It was officially announced Wednesday that McCarthy underwent a full meniscus repair and is now out for the 2024 season, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday.
A recovery period for a meniscus trim is usually around four-to-six weeks, notes NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Due to this not being a trim, the other surgery option requires it to be a season ender.
McCarthy, who played in Saturday’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, didn’t practice Monday due to knee soreness. McCarthy reportedly underwent an MRI on Monday night. He reacted to his injury on social media. He was heartbroken, but is ready for the next chapter of the process.
McCarthy threw an interception on his first drive in his preseason debut, but bounced back later with a pair of touchdowns. The 21 year old rookie, who helped Michigan win the national title last season, was the fifth quarterback selected in April. Thi was as part of a draft class that featured a record six QBs going in the first round.
In addition to (and before) drafting McCarthy, the Vikings added Sam Darnold in the offseason after losing Kirk Cousins to free agency. Darnold started training camp ahead of McCarthy on the depth chart, but Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell left the door open for J.J. To earn his chance as a starter.
With McCarthy sidelined, Darnold is projected to be under center for the Vikings in Week 1 against the New York Giants on Sept. 8. Unless there is improvement on the roster, injury to Darnold, or horrible quarterback play, San Darnold will most likely remain the starter all year.
The third overall pick in 2018, Darnold has struggled to meet expectations since entering the NFL. The 27-year-old began his career with the New York Jets (2018-2020) before spending time with the Carolina Panthers (2021-22) and San Francisco 49ers (2023).
Darnold owns a 21-35 record as a starter, having passed for 63 touchdowns against 56 interceptions throughout his career.
Injuries at quarterback were a big issue for the Vikings in 2023. The team started four different signal-callers en route to finishing last season with the 22nd-ranked offense in total points.
Now, it seems the injury bug has seemingly carried over into this season. McCarthy has the torn meniscus, TJ Hockenson will miss up to the first half of the season, Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL that makes him gone for the season, and Jordan Addison left practice in an air cast today.
Hell, the Vikings even had tragedy wreck their team before all of this happened, as rookie corner Khyree Jackson tragically passed away from a car accident.
This is some sad and horrible news for a Vikings team that looks to take steps into their new future.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler
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