Vikings Face Setback as Rookie Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Out for Season
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a significant setback as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entirety of the 2024 NFL season. The announcement came on Tuesday, putting an early damper on the team's hopes for the upcoming campaign.
McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee, a procedure that was completed on Wednesday. The rookie signal-caller reported knee soreness upon entering the facility on Monday and was promptly held out of practice for precautionary reasons. Head coach Kevin O'Connell underscored the importance of being cautious. “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,” O'Connell explained.
McCarthy's injury comes as a major blow, especially considering his promising preseason debut where he completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and recorded two touchdowns. Throughout the offseason, he was positioned as the No. 2 quarterback behind Sam Darnold, who, in contrast, went 4 of 8 for 59 yards during a recent preseason game.
O'Connell elaborated on the team's cautious approach with McCarthy. “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,” he said.
The impact of McCarthy’s absence is already being felt in various projections and odds. The Vikings' total win projection for the season has dropped by half a win, now standing at 6.5 games. Furthermore, the team's odds to clinch the NFC North have decreased by 2.2%, and their chances of making the playoffs have plummeted by 4.7%, now standing at a mere 10.3%.
This unfortunate development concerning McCarthy compounds other existing issues facing the Vikings. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is still in recovery from an ACL tear suffered late last season, an injury that already has the team navigating the complexities of roster management. Additionally, wide receiver Jordan Addison faces potential disciplinary action following a DUI arrest earlier this summer.
McCarthy, who rapidly became an integral part of the Vikings' long-term plans, leaves a significant void. With his absence, the pressure now mounts on Sam Darnold to step up and lead the offense. This unexpected turn of events has certainly cast a shadow over what begun as a hopeful preseason for Minnesota.
The Vikings front office and coaching staff will need to swiftly adapt and reconsider their strategies for the upcoming season. While losses like McCarthy's are difficult to compensate for, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be tested in the weeks to come.