Following surgery on Wednesday, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is out for the entire 2024 NFL season after suffering a full meniscus tear. Coach Kevin O’Connell made the announcement before the team’s first joint practice with the Cleveland Browns.
McCarthy played well in the Vikings preseason game on Saturday. After the game, he reported soreness to the team on Sunday, which the team reported. He was going to complete follow-up tests that revealed the knee injury on Tuesday.
McCarthy’s surgical options were either trim or complete repair, and complete repair is what was needed for his knee to recover 100%. O’Connell announced surgery on J.J. McCarthy’s torn meniscus led by Vikings team physician Dr. Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Eagan, Minnesota.
Kevin O’Connell announced they “strongly believe he will return better and have a long, successful NFL career.”
As a result of the injury, Sam Darnold is now the confirmed starting quarterback for the team. The team also has Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens on the roster, but they could look at other teams as roster cuts begin or teams explore trades.
The team plays against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday for their second preseason game of the season.