The Minnesota Vikings were eagerly anticipating the debut of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in their first preseason game, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a bittersweet moment. Just as fans were getting their first glimpse of the young signal-caller in action, news broke on Tuesday that McCarthy would have to undergo knee surgery, putting his playing time on hold indefinitely.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was quick to report the unfortunate turn of events, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero following suit, revealing that McCarthy was dealing with a meniscus issue that would require surgery. The timeline for his recovery now hangs in the balance, depending on the nature of the procedure he undergoes.
The Vikings had high hopes for McCarthy when they selected him with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL draft following Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons. While he had been taking backup quarterback snaps behind Sam Darnold, the Michigan product made a strong impression in his first NFL outing against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
With McCarthy now sidelined, the reins of the offense fall to Darnold as the team prepares for the 2024 season. Darnold, a former top-5 pick who spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers, will lead the charge for the Vikings in McCarthy’s absence.
As the Vikings gear up for their next preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, and look ahead to their season opener against the New York Giants on September 8, the team faces uncertainty without McCarthy at the helm. Despite this setback, the Vikings remain hopeful for McCarthy’s recovery and future contribution to the team.