Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 NFL season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury sustained during the preseason. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy’s season-ending injury is a significant setback for both him and the Vikings, as he was anticipated to make an impact in his rookie year.
McCarthy, who was highly regarded coming out of Michigan, suffered the injury during his debut game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. Despite completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, McCarthy did not return to practice on Monday, which was initially attributed to a sore knee. Further examinations revealed the severity of the injury, leading to surgery on Wednesday and officially ruling him out for the season.
The loss of McCarthy is particularly impactful as he was expected to serve as the backup quarterback behind veteran Sam Darnold. Darnold, who joined the Vikings on a one-year, $10 million contract in March, will now take on a more significant role, with McCarthy’s injury altering the team’s quarterback dynamics. McCarthy had been showing promising signs during training camp, and his absence will be felt throughout the season.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his disappointment and concern for McCarthy. “I’m the most crushed for JJ,” O’Connell said in a press conference. “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 injury, the Vikings are facing another challenge with wide receiver Jordan Addison, who was carted off the field with an ankle injury during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. Addison, who had a strong rookie season with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, was initially treated on the field before being taken for further evaluation.
O’Connell remains hopeful that Addison’s injury is not too severe. “You hate to see that, especially early in the practice like it was, but I think he’s going to be alright,” he said. “We’ll make sure we go through all the processes and get some pictures to really know exactly what it is.”
As the Vikings prepare for the start of the NFL season on September 5, these injury concerns have added a layer of uncertainty. McCarthy’s absence will require the team to adjust their plans, and the potential severity of Addison’s injury could impact the offensive strategies moving forward.
The preseason has been a period of both promise and challenge for the Vikings, and as they head into the new season, they will need to adapt to these unforeseen setbacks. With McCarthy sidelined and Addison’s status uncertain, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they strive to make a strong start to the 2024 NFL season.
Read about the best assistants in world football.