The Minnesota Vikings' hopes for a strong start to the season have been dealt a blow with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy ruled out for the entirety of 2024 following knee surgery.
McCarthy, the team's highly-touted first-round draft pick, underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed. The injury occurred at some point during the Vikings' pre-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, with McCarthy reporting soreness to team medical staff on Monday.
Despite an impressive two-touchdown performance against the Raiders, which hinted at a promising start to his NFL career, McCarthy's injury has dashed any hopes of him seeing the field this season. The news throws a spanner in the works for the Vikings, leaving them with veteran Sam Darnold as their likely starting quarterback for 2024. Darnold, who signed a one-year deal worth £8 million in March, will be joined by backup quarterbacks Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
"He's shown everything I hoped to see in training camp," O'Connell remarked, attempting to remain upbeat. "But the important thing is that we have our franchise quarterback, and this is just a small bump in the road. We have a strong plan for his development, even though he won't be playing on the field."
McCarthy's injury is a setback for a Vikings team that had high expectations for their young quarterback. However, O'Connell drew comparisons to other quarterbacks who faced similar challenges early in their careers, emphasising that McCarthy will come back stronger than ever.
"This is a chance for him to develop off the field and build a rapport with the team," O'Connell added. "He'll be working closely with the other quarterbacks, learning the playbook and honing his skills. He'll be ready for next season."
McCarthy, who was selected tenth overall in the draft, becomes the fourth first-round quarterback in the 21st century to miss their rookie season due to injury, joining Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers, 2020), Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins, 2005), and Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals, 2003).
Despite the setback, the Vikings remain confident in McCarthy's long-term potential. He had shown considerable progress since a slightly shaky performance during spring training, and his pre-season showing had given hope of him challenging Darnold for the starting spot.
The Vikings' hopes for a successful 2024 season now rest on the shoulders of Darnold, who will need to step up and provide reliable leadership for a team with high aspirations. With McCarthy sidelined, the Vikings will be looking to build a strong foundation for the future, with the hope of seeing their young quarterback back on the field in 2025.
