The Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to undergo knee surgery later in the week after tearing the meniscus of his right knee. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy’s injury on Tuesday, adding that he was injured during the Vikings’ 24-23 preseason victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the surgery, doctors are set to determine whether McCarthy will be able to have his meniscus trimmed, allowing him to return to action later on in the season. Alternatively, the rookie will be required to undergo a full repair, which would likely leave him sidelined until 2025.
“That’s totally, totally a medical decision,” O’Connell elaborated. “Certainly, what’s best for the long-term health of J.J. McCarthy will be the priority. I don’t have that answer and really won’t be a part of determining that answer. … I have total complete trust in our medical staff and also the people that will be performing the procedure.”
Following the revelation of McCarthy’s injury, the need for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold is higher than ever. Spending 2023 as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold signed a one-year contract worth $10 million with the Vikings in March.
