MINNEAPOLIS — J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ first-round quarterback pick, will undergo a procedure after sustaining a meniscus tear, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Tuesday.
O’Connell mentioned that the team does not yet have a timeline for McCarthy’s surgery or recovery as the extent of the injury is still being assessed. “First and foremost, we’ll get this procedure done. We’ll ensure we do everything possible for him to have the best recovery,” O’Connell stated, adding that the timing of the procedure is still uncertain.
McCarthy experienced knee soreness after the Vikings’ first preseason game and will miss this week’s joint practices and preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. He took to social media, sharing, “Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time.”
The Vikings selected McCarthy 10th overall in April from Michigan. With McCarthy’s pending surgery, veteran Sam Darnold is now expected to take the starting role for the upcoming season. “Sam’s had a really good camp, and my confidence level in Sam is very, very high at this point,” O’Connell expressed, highlighting Darnold’s progress leading up to the first preseason game.
In the most recent preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, McCarthy completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, including two touchdowns and one interception. O’Connell noted that McCarthy’s injury occurred during this game, while Darnold finished 4 of 8 for 59 yards.
Besides Darnold, the Vikings have Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens as quarterbacks, both of whom saw starting action last season. O’Connell mentioned the possibility of adding another player to the quarterback roster.
For Vikings fans, McCarthy’s meniscus tear may evoke memories of another preseason injury; in 2016, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a torn ACL during practice, which significantly impacted his career. While McCarthy’s injury is not as severe, the Vikings’ fanbase may understandably be apprehensive regarding injuries during the preseason.