Report: Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy expected to undergo surgery on torn meniscus

Minnesota Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is expected to undergo knee surgery, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“ESPN Sources: Vikings rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is expected to undergo knee surgery that will determine how much time he will be sidelined,” Schefter wrote on Twitter. “McCarthy complained about knee soreness over the weekend, and underwent an MRI on Monday night.”

McCarthy all but confirmed his injury with a statement on Twitter.

“Love you Viking nation,” McCarthy wrote. “I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported McCarthy is dealing with a meniscus issue. As reported, McCarthy underwent an MRI after he missed Monday’s practice with knee soreness.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell later confirmed McCarthy tore his meniscus in his right knee.

“How extensive the surgery on J.J. McCarthy’s meniscus is will determine how long he will be sidelined, per sources,” Schefter wrote on Twitter.

In the 24-23 win over the Las Vegas Raiders over the weekend, McCarthy went 11-of-17 passing for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

J.J. McCarthy to undergo knee surgery on torn meniscus

O’Connell was very complimentary of his rookie QB and No. 10 overall pick following the win over the weekend. It was the first time McCarthy got to suit up in the purple and gold.

“I thought JJ played really well,” O’Connell said on The Pat McAfee Show. “You know, for his first time out, no coaches on the field, it’s just those 11 guys, 11 guys on defense and the refs out there. There’s really not much more you ever want to see than just the guys take the work from the practice field, and especially as you get into different groups on your team, you find out who’s prepared. 

“You find out who’s ready. And obviously, anytime you play a game, preseason or not, in an NFL stadium, and the lights come on, you tend to see who guys really are as players. And I just thought, you know, there (were) a ton of learning moments in the game for JJ.”

Originally, O’Connell did not rule out McCarthy as the Week 1 starter over Sam Darnold. But it appears the latter will be the starter for the foreseeable future.

“Being the competitor that I am, of course (I want to play),” McCarthy said in June. “But this is such a blessing for me, like I grew up watching Sam Darnold my entire life. And being able to just sit there and watch him, watch Nick (Mullens), watch (Jarren Hall) and it’s not what they say to me. It’s what they do and just being a sponge. 

“Just observing them and eventually, hopefully, one day surpassing them, but right now, you know, they’re just phenomenal human beings that are sharing their wisdom with me. And, you know, I just can’t thank them enough for that and I can’t wait for training camp.”