The Minnesota Vikings are 8-2 and in the midst of a special season thanks in large part to the performance of veteran journeyman Sam Darnold.
While the team is pleased with its quarterback situation at the moment, things felt much less stable in August when an injury to their top draft choice rocked their world.
Here’s the latest injury news and recovery prognosis for J.J. McCarthy.
What Is J.J. McCarthy’s Injury?
What initially looked like a minor injury turned into a major story for McCarthy and the Vikings.
McCarthy ultimately had a complete repair of the meniscus in his right knee just days after his preseason debut. The surgical procedure and associated recovery timeline forced the Vikings to place McCarthy on season-ending injured reserve.
McCarthy made his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10, impressing the home crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium while completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He left the game and gave way to reserve Jaren Hall.
This 1 play summarizes who JJ McCarthy is:
📌 It’s preseason with nothing on the line
📌 He stands in the pocket & takes a huge hit
📌 Still delivers an accurate ball downfieldHe’s poised & tough with great mechanics. pic.twitter.com/UFjQxi7ttZ
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) August 11, 2024
At that time, the nature, let along the presence, of McCarthy’s injury was unknown. The first sign publicly of an injury was when the rookie quarterback was not present for the Vikings’ next training camp practice. Two days later, it was announced McCarthy would undergo a procedure to learn more about the discomfort in his knee.
During the procedure, it was determined a full repair of the right meniscus was necessary.
There was a subsequent development in McCarthy’s injury and recovery as the team announced McCarthy was experiencing swelling in the knee during rehab. In response to the swelling, McCarthy underwent a nonsurgical procedure.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the news of the additional procedure during a regular Wednesday press conference and made it clear McCarthy’s prognosis for a full recovery and the timeline remain unchanged.
More on J.J. McCarthy receiving an injection in his right knee to address swelling that developed, as part of a check-in on his injury recovery. No further concerns and no changes to his timetable for return.https://t.co/8UbUHyfUM5
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 13, 2024
When Will J.J. McCarthy Return From Injury?
The placement of McCarthy on injured reserve ended the rookie’s season before it officially began.
While McCarthy has continued to be around the team for practices and meetings during his rehab, his return timeline of 6-8 months was such that he would not make it back in time for the regular season or postseason.
The next time McCarthy will be on the field with his teammates in an organized Vikings activity will be when the 2025 offseason program commences next April 21; that is the date teams with returning head coaches are permitted to begin their offseason program.
By that time, the Vikings will have likely made a decision as it pertains to Darnold, whom the team signed last offseason to a one-year, $10 million contract.
How Has J.J. McCarthy’s Absence Impacted the Vikings?
The development of McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury was a serious blow to a Vikings team that had been extremely active in free agency and the draft in the offseason. While the Vikings had the lowest expectations within the division from an external standpoint, there was optimism aplenty inside the walls of Vikings headquarters.
McCarthy’s injury simplified a decision the Vikings were heading toward anyway. Darnold, the veteran, entered the offseason program as the presumed starter and his solid performance in practices and the preseason only solidified his standing as such.
The McCarthy injury sealed the deal.
JJ McCarthy’s conversation with the media on his injury, recovery, mentality and what he can learn this year pic.twitter.com/Upf218C4My
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) September 6, 2024
Darnold wasted no time proving the Vikings right for signing him in free agency and entrusting him with the keys. The Vikings began the season 5-0, and in that stretch, Darnold threw 11 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, and had a passer rating of 103.4.
Since the impressive stretch, Darnold’s individual numbers have fluctuated, but O’Connell has constantly expressed praise and confidence in the quarterback.