Vikings Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy Set for Knee Surgery

EAGON, Minn. — JJ McCarthy’s status is in question after the Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback suffered a tear in the meniscus in his right knee following tests, with a final determination after he undergoes surgery this week.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the injury Tuesday, saying it occurred during Saturday’s 24-23 preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. McCarthy threw the second of his two touchdown passes in his final game and O’Connell left after playing 30 snaps for him.

McCarthy did not report any pain or discomfort until reporting to team medical officials on Monday. In a post on X, McCarthy said: “Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back soon. Amor fati,” referring to the belief that all life experiences should be appreciated no matter how pleasant.

Doctors will decide during surgery whether McCarthy needs a meniscus trim — which could allow him to return this season — or a full repair that could sideline him until 2025.

“It’s totally, totally a medical decision,” O’Connell said. “Certainly, the best thing for J.J. McCarthy’s long-term health would be the priority. I don’t have that answer and I’m not really going to be a part of determining that answer. … I have complete confidence in my medical. The staff and also those who will perform the procedure.

News of McCarthy’s injury only ensures that veteran Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract in March after spending 2023 as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, The Vikings will have a quarterback in Week 1 and possibly beyond. .

Darnold has taken all but two of the Vikings’ first-team offensive snaps during training camp and also started Saturday’s game. McCarthy’s performance on Saturday made it likely that he would begin taking more first-team snaps in practice, but there was no indication that O’Connell was the former Michigan star a viable option for Week 1.

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Darnold, who has looked increasingly sharp as training camp progresses, completed four of eight passes for 59 yards on Saturday. The other two quarterbacks on the team’s roster are 2023 holders Nick Mullins and Jaren Hall.

“Sam had a really good camp and my confidence level in Sam right now is very, very high,” O’Connell said, “and I’m looking forward to him continuing the development that we’ve had during his early years. Camp in this first preseason game … I’m really looking forward to Sam’s continued growth and success on offense, and I know his teammates and the rest of the coaching staff are very excited about what Sam has done.”

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the No. 10 overall draft pick this year after parting ways with incumbent Kirk Cousins, who joined the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

McCarthy had progressed since uneventful performances in spring OTAs and minicamp, and he remained in Minnesota during the early part of the summer to improve a set of adjustable footwork and other team-recommended adjustments. Mechanical changes.

McCarthy maintained a steady form throughout training camp until his preseason debut, when he replaced Darnold after a series against the Raiders. The game started inauspiciously when McCarthy threw an interception to end his first series, but he rallied in the third quarter to throw touchdown passes of 45 and 33 yards, for 188 yards. Finished with 11 completions in 17 attempts.