Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will require surgery, Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday.
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McCarthy was injured at one point during his preseason debut on Saturday, when he went 11 of 17 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Las Vegas. McCarthy reported persistent muscle soreness to the team when the players reconvened on Monday. The team sent McCarthy, who was the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft and led Michigan to a national title last season, for further evaluation, where the injury was diagnosed.
The Vikings have not yet set a date for the procedure or heard how long the 21-year-old will need to recover, meaning McCarthy could be back within a month or miss the entire season. The rehabilitation for a full repair takes much longer than for a partial tear, and the severity is usually not known until after the procedure takes place. Even if McCarthy’s injury is considered minor and he returns at the shorter end of the schedule, the development is a significant blow given the promise he has shown and the plan to increase his first-team appearances as the new season approaches.
The Vikings traveled Tuesday for two days of joint practices and a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Sam Darnold has been the top prospect at quarterback all spring and summer and will now be penciled in as the starter to open the season. Nick Mullens will be the clear backup, with Jaren Hall also on the list entering his second year. O’Connell said he had no immediate plans to add another quarterback.