JJ McCarthy has a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, and will undergo surgery to determine the next steps in the recovery process. The surgery is expected to take place in the near future and there is currently no timetable for when McCarthy will be able to return to the field.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before the Vikings traveled to Cleveland for joint practices with the Browns this week, O’Connell said doctors will determine during the procedure whether McCarthy’s meniscus tear needs to be cleaned or fully repaired.
“That can only be determined after the procedure,” O’Connell said. “I can only speculate on a timetable for a return at this point.”
McCarthy was injured during the Vikings’ preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie quarterback put on a very impressive performance in his debut, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Although he left the field after his final snap without any noticeable discomfort, McCarthy complained of pain in his right knee when he arrived at the TCO Performance Center on Monday afternoon. He then underwent a series of tests to determine the meniscus tear that occurred at an unknown time during the preseason game.
“You could go back and watch a thousand games and try to figure it out,” O’Connell said. “When I think back and watch it a couple more times, it would just be speculation because there was no moment where it was noticeable and/or JJ felt any immediate discomfort.”
When asked for details about the type of surgery McCarthy will undergo, O’Connell referred the answer to the question to the medical staff.
“The best interests of JJ McCarthy’s long-term health are of course our top priority,” O’Connell said. “I have complete confidence in our medical staff and also in the people who will be performing the procedure.”
This is a devastating blow to everyone involved, regardless of what happens in the future.
After selecting McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings took a pragmatic approach to a player they hope could be the future face of the franchise. As for McCarthy, he has made good progress in the development process and has shown everything it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Now the pause button has been pressed for the foreseeable future.
“We don’t know the severity yet, but that’s honestly the current status,” O’Connell said. “Hopefully we have a shorter time frame rather than a longer one.”
Meager
In addition, the Vikings signed linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and, in a corresponding move, released linebacker Jabril Cox.
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