Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy is set to miss the entire 2024 NFL season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he sustained during the preseason and subsequently required surgery.
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft suffered the injury in his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. Despite completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, McCarthy did not participate in team practice the following Monday, with initial concerns focused on just knee soreness.
Further examinations revealed a torn meniscus, leading to surgery on Wednesday, which has now sidelined the promising young quarterback for the entire season. McCarthy had been making a strong impression during training camp and was anticipated to serve as the backup to veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, who recently signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his disappointment regarding McCarthy’s injury, stating, “I’m the most crushed for JJ. Now he just has to work through this process, so that when his time does come, he’s healthy and he gets to take the reins of this thing.”
In addition to McCarthy’s setback, the Vikings are facing another injury concern ahead of the new season, which kicks off on September 5. Wide receiver Jordan Addison was carted off the field with an ankle injury during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. The standout rookie, who recorded 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, received treatment on-site before being taken for further evaluation.
Coach O’Connell remains optimistic, remarking, “You hate to see that, especially early in practice, but I think he’s going to be alright. We’ll make sure we go through all the processes and get some pictures to know exactly what it is.”
