Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire season due to a torn right meniscus, a disappointing setback for a player who showed promise during his preseason debut in the team’s narrow 24-23 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. McCarthy underwent surgery on Wednesday to address the injury.
This development solidifies Sam Darnold’s position as the starting quarterback, transitioning from serving as a temporary solution to a more permanent role until McCarthy is ready to return.
Experts have weighed in on the implications of McCarthy’s injury. His absence will hinder his on-field development, as he lacks extensive experience as a passer. Coming from Michigan, where he often didn’t throw extensively, McCarthy needed all the opportunities for live action to refine his skills. While he can gain valuable insights by observing from the sidelines, the necessary in-game experience will be difficult to replicate.
Adding another quarterback is not seen as an immediate necessity in Minnesota. Darnold, who has 63 touchdown passes along with 56 interceptions in his career, has been preparing as the primary starter. There is confidence in Nick Mullens, who has had 20 career starts, as well as in last year’s fifth-round pick, Jaren Hall, who has also seen game time.
For wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the impact of the injury is minimal. Darnold was already adapting to his role, and rapport between him and Jefferson has been developing throughout training camp. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has emphasized maintaining a strong running game regardless of who is under center, with plans for Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler to share the workload.
Looking ahead to the Vikings’ competitiveness in 2024, Darnold’s elevation to a more permanent starter carries uncertainty. Despite his improved performance, Darnold’s record as a starter in less-than-ideal situations raises questions about how he will perform in the coming season.
As the Vikings approach the 2025 offseason, they face significant decisions regarding their quarterback position. Darnold’s current one-year contract leaves questions about whether he will be considered the long-term solution. Additionally, with both O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah approaching critical contract evaluations, the team will need to assess how McCarthy’s rehabilitation and development affect their strategic direction moving forward.