Vikings QB McCarthy out for the season following surgery

By WDIO
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is hit by Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) as he scramble for yards during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

The Minnesota Vikings announced on X, Wednesday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy, 21, underwent surgery Wednesday morning that required a full repair of his torn meniscus in his right knee. Coach Kevin O’Connell said in a press conference that the procedure was successful but the repair will end McCarthy’s 2024 season.

McCarthy was hurt at some point Saturday during his exhibition game debut, when he went 11 for 17 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Las Vegas. McCarthy reported persistent soreness to the team when players reconvened Monday.

“He did undergo surgery actually this morning on that meniscus,” Coach O’Connell said in the press conference clip shared on the Minnesota Vikings X account. “It was a successful procedure, but it did reveal that a repair was necessary, which will end J.J.’s 2024 season.”

McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in the draft, out of national champion Michigan.

The rehabilitation for a full repair is much longer than if there’s just a partial tear and only a trim is needed, but the severity is typically not known until the procedure takes place.

The Vikings were traveling Tuesday for two days of joint practices and a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Sam Darnold has been on top of the depth chart at quarterback all spring and summer and will now be solidified as the starter to open the season. Nick Mullens will be the clear backup, with Jaren Hall also on the roster entering his second year. O’Connell said the Vikings had no immediate plan to add another quarterback.