Another surgery for JJ McCarthy? Rehab setback forces Vikings rookie to go under the knife again
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy had a surgery in August to fix his torn meniscus that ended his debut season.
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Rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy had a second surgery to address swelling in his right knee (Image via X)
The Minnesota Vikings did not have the best of starts to their 2024 season when rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. That meant he had to undergo surgery which would sideline him for the rest of the season.
That meant, backup quarterback Sam Darnold was to take over. He did a good job to start the season as the Vikings ran out to win five straight games. McCarthy underwent surgery on August 14th and then spent six weeks at home. With his leg immobilized, the former Michigan star was shocked that his rookie season ended this early.
But what baffled team personnel and even the 21-year-old was which play led to this meniscus tear. However, JJ McCarthy focused on rehabilitation and was making good progress. But earlier today, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert received an update from the Vikings medical team.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy had a 2nd surgery on his right knee this week to address swelling that developed after an uptick in rehab activity, per source. As part of the procedure, he was given a biologic injection. No changes to recovery timetable.
Kevin Seifert on X
The ESPN reporter mentioned that this surgery was to help the rookie address swelling. This came about after he ramped up his rehab activities. But it does not change the fact that the young quarterback will return in time for the 2025 season.
NEWS: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy had a 2nd surgery on his right knee this week to address swelling that developed after an uptick in rehab activity, per source. As part of the procedure, he was given a biologic injection. No changes to recovery timetable.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 13, 2024
With Sam Darnold struggling a bit off late, it will be in the best interest of the franchise if their 10th overall pick took it slightly easier on his recovery. As whatever the outcome is of this season, their goal is to have JJ McCarthy as their long-term franchise QB.
Sam Darnold’s recent problems could bode well for JJ McCarthy’s future
Sam Darnold came out of the gates and led the Minnesota Vikings to five straight wins. But since then, they lost two, the second of which was against the struggling Los Angeles Rams. But before that game, news was rife of the Vikings interest in Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
However, it came to nothing as the trade deadline passed, suggesting they will stick with Darnold for now. No doubt Stafford is in a class higher than the backup when it comes to elite quarterbacks. But up until that point, nothing showed why they should go for the 36-year-old veteran.
But in their last four games, the 27-year-old has thrown five picks and five touchdowns. An atrocious turnout when considering he threw just four interceptions to 11 touchdowns in that five-game winning streak. At that time, some pointed out that he had benefitted from head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s system.
Now it seems more and more that Sam Darnold is not a long-term solution for the franchise. The decision to not trade for Matthew Stafford and with Darnold’s struggles, JJ McCarthy could see his job secure. As once he returns, he will likely compete for the starting job next offseason.
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Joseph Varghese
(2265 Articles Published)