Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will undergo knee surgery to address a meniscus issue, NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. The Vikings are expected to place McCarthy on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games.
The Minnesota Vikings have dealt a significant blow, as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will undergo knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, and McCarthy is expected to miss at least four games due to the Vikings' decision to place him on injured reserve.
Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Set for Knee Surgery
The Vikings discovered the injury after McCarthy experienced discomfort in his knee during Sunday's practice. An MRI confirmed the meniscus issue, prompting the organization's decision to proceed with surgery.
McCarthy, selected with the 112th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was expected to compete for the backup quarterback role behind Kirk Cousins. However, his injury has cast doubt on that possibility.
With McCarthy out, third-year quarterback Kellen Mond is the top candidate to fill the backup role. Mond has appeared in six games for the Vikings since entering the league in 2021, starting one.
The Vikings also have Kyle Sloter and Jake Browning on their roster, providing additional depth at the quarterback position. However, neither has significant NFL experience.
The absence of McCarthy is a setback for the Vikings, who were hoping to have a solid backup option behind Cousins. The injury could also affect the team's ability to develop McCarthy in his rookie season.
Meniscus tears are common injuries in football, particularly among quarterbacks who face significant pressure on their knees. The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the tear, but McCarthy is expected to return to action later this season.
The Vikings have a bye in Week 14, providing McCarthy with some extra time to heal. If his recovery progresses well, he could return to practice before the end of the season.
McCarthy's injury is a reminder of the uncertain nature of professional sports. Just weeks after being drafted, he now faces a potentially significant setback. However, the Vikings remain confident in his abilities and are excited to see what he can accomplish when healthy.
As the Vikings prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to rely on the remaining quarterbacks on their roster to fill the void left by McCarthy's injury. The team is hopeful that Mond can step up and prove himself while McCarthy recovers.
