JJ McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ first-round pick, will miss his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right meniscus.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the surgery was successful, but doctors concluded that a “repair is necessary that will end JJ’s 2024 season.”
So instead of just a trim during the procedure, McCarthy needed a complete repair that will require extensive rehab before he can return to the field.
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JJ McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to pass the ball during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
McCarthy, selected 10th overall in April after winning the national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, missed practice with the Vikings on Monday because he initially had knee pain, but further testing revealed something the team didn’t want to see.
McCarthy was expected to face a tough battle for the quarterback position with experienced Sam Darnold, although Darnold had seen more action with the first team than McCarthy at the start of training camp.
Following the news about McCarthy, Darnold is now certain to be the starter for Week 1 against the New York Giants.
VIKINGS player JJ MCCARTHY SUFFERS TEAR OF RIGHT KNEE MENISCUS
When the news came that McCarthy would need surgery for his torn meniscus, he posted an optimistic message for Vikings fans on X.
“I love you Viking Nation. I’ll be right back. Amor fati,” he posted.
McCarthy got off to a solid start in his rookie season, throwing for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in his first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 11 of 17 passes in the game.
JJ McCarthy No. 9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
While Darnold was at the top of O’Connell’s team’s roster, his value in the draft increased earlier in the year when he helped lead the Wolverines to the national title under Jim Harbaugh, now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Since becoming Michigan’s full-time starter, McCarthy has thrown 44 touchdowns and nine interceptions for 5,710 passing yards and a 68.5% completion rate in 29 games. Michigan also went 15-0 en route to the title last season.
McCarthy had hoped to make it into the NFL after successfully completing his college career, but his true debut will have to wait until 2025.
JJ McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings on the sidelines of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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For now, he must focus on his rehab while continuing to learn the Vikings’ system, with Darnold taking the lead as quarterback.
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