Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy will miss his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery for a knee problem.
It was originally assumed that the 21-year-old would only miss the first few weeks of the NFL season after tearing the cartilage in his right knee.
But on Wednesday, Minnesota confirmed that McCarthy required a full meniscus repair and will now miss the entire 2024 season.
The quarterback was selected by Minnesota 10th in the 2024 draft, but Sam Darnold is now expected to be the Vikings’ starter.
The Vikings will begin their 2024 season on September 8 against the New York Giants, before games against the 49ers, Texans, Packers and Jets.
Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to miss his entire rookie season after surgery
The 10th pick, pictured here with his fiancée Katya Kuropas, required a complete meniscus repair
McCarthy entered the draft after leading Michigan to the national championship under Jim Harbaugh, now coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
He was one of five quarterbacks selected with the first ten picks, following Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Drake Maye (Patriots) and Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons).
But after the extent of his injury became clear, the 21-year-old now has to wait for his NFL debut.
“Love you Viking Nation. I’ll be back in no time,” McCarthy wrote on social media after news of his surgery was confirmed on Tuesday.
Darnold was selected third in the first round of the 2018 draft.
Sam Darnold is expected to be the Vikings’ starter for the new season, which begins in September
McCarthy was drafted after leading Michigan to the national championship
It was another star-studded class, with Baker Mayfield (Browns), Josh Allen (Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens) selected in the first round.
Darnold moved to the New York Jets, where he remained until 2021.
He was then traded to the Carolina Panthers before deciding to sign a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
The 27-year-old was Brock Purdy’s backup when Kyle Shanahan’s team reached the Super Bowl, where they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
