Published on Tuesday, 8/13/24, at 3:05 p.m. Eastern.
Updated on Thursday, 8/15/24, at 11:52 a.m. Eastern.
UPDATE: Once doctors began to operate on McCarthy, they realized that a full repair of the meniscus was required. Therefore, the rookie is out for the entire 2024 season.
After Minnesota rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy had an MRI on Monday night, a torn meniscus that requires surgery was discovered.
The extent of the tear will have to be determined during surgery. McCarthy, the team’s No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, will go under the knife later this week.
According to multiple reports, doctors will decide during surgery if the meniscus needs to be trimmed or if a full repair is needed. If the meniscus only needs to be trimmed, then McCarthy will be able to return this year.
However, if a full repair is required, it will knock the University of Michigan product out for the season.
“That’s totally, totally a medical decision,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “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.”
In a post to his account on X (formerly Twitter), McCarthy appeared to be in good spirits. He wrote, “Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati”
Minnesota beat Las Vegas 24-23 in its preseason opener this past Saturday, as rookie kicker Will Reichard buried a 38-yard field goal as time expired.
McCarthy played 30 snaps for the Vikings. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
McCarthy, who was working against backup defenders for the Raiders, found Trishton Jackson for a 45-yard TD pass early in the third quarter to cut his team’s deficit to 20-14.
On the Vikings’ next drive, McCarthy hit Trent Sherfield for a 33-yard TD pass to put his team ahead, 21-20.
Minnesota QB Sam Darnold, who was signed to a one-year deal worth $10 million in the offseason, completed 4-of-8 throws for 59 yards.
With McCarthy scheduled for surgery, it ensures that Darnold will be the starting signal caller in Minnesota’s opener and likely beyond.
“Sam’s had a really good camp and my confidence level in Sam is very, very high at this point,” O’Connell said, “and looking forward to seeing him continue his progression that we’ve had for him throughout the early part of camp into that first preseason game. … I’m really looking forward to Sam’s continued growth and success in the offense, and I know his teammates and the rest of the coaching staff have been really enthused by what Sam’s done.”
Minnesota also has QBs Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall on the roster.
The Vikings are one-point road favorites at the New York Giants in Week 1, although some spots have the game as a pick ’em. The total is 41 or 41.5 points.