Vikings' Rookie Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Out for 2024 Season After Knee Surgery
In a blow to the Minnesota Vikings' hopes for the upcoming NFL season, the team announced on Tuesday that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 campaign. The disappointing news comes after McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee, a procedure completed on Wednesday.
The problem first surfaced on Monday when McCarthy reported to the facility complaining of knee soreness. The coaching staff acted swiftly, holding him out of practice as a precautionary measure. "Some kind of routine soreness that a lot of guys after their first preseason game sometimes come in with, and it was something we wanted to be smart about," said head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Initial assessments led the Vikings to opt for further evaluation and testing, acknowledging McCarthy's critical role in the team's future. "Out of precaution, we’re going to continue an evaluation on him and get some more testing done. [He is a] very important player, obviously, so we want to make sure we’re smart before he participates, making sure we have a good understanding of where he’s at," O'Connell added.
The injury could not have come at a worse time for McCarthy, who had shown promise during the preseason. In his debut, he completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and recorded two touchdowns, solidifying his position as the backup to starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Throughout the offseason, McCarthy had been positioned as the No. 2 quarterback, offering the team significant depth at the key position.
To complicate matters, other key players are also battling issues of their own. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is still in recovery from an ACL tear suffered late last season, while wide receiver Jordan Addison faces potential disciplinary action following a DUI arrest earlier this summer. These challenges further compound the Vikings' difficulties as they head into the new season.
The impact of McCarthy's injury extends beyond just loss of a promising athlete. The Vikings' odds have taken a hit in betting markets and season projections. The team's total win projection for the season has dropped by half a win, now standing at 6.5 games. Additionally, their chances of winning the NFC North have decreased by 2.2%, and their prospects for making the playoffs have dipped by 4.7% to 10.3%.
Sam Darnold, who has been the starting quarterback, did not show stellar performance stats in the recent preseason game, completing 4 of 8 passes for just 59 yards. Given McCarthy's sidelining, more pressure will now fall on Darnold to lead the team through these turbulent times.
McCarthy's absence will test the depth and resilience of the Vikings' roster. The team must now navigate a season fraught with uncertainties, hoping other players can step up and fill the void left by their promising rookie quarterback.
As the preseason wraps up and the regular season looms, the Vikings and their fans will be keenly watching to see how the team adjusts and responds. The absence of J.J. McCarthy, coupled with other lingering issues on the roster, sets a challenging stage for the Minnesota Vikings' 2024 NFL season.