Report: J.J. McCarthy to miss entire 2024 season after surgery on torn meniscus

After having surgery for his torn meniscus, it’s unfortunately been revealed that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 campaign, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

“Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season after having his torn meniscus repaired today by Dr. Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote. “Disappointing end to Year 1, but repair gives McCarthy the best chance at a long career.”

The disappointing news truly ends McCarthy’s rookie season without it ever kicking into gear, barring a miraculous recovery. Additionally, it makes the former Michigan Wolverines quarterback’s message to Vikings faithful all the more tragic.

“Love you Viking nation,” McCarthy wrote, when it was first revealed he had a torn meniscus. “I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati.”

Moreover, McCarthy originally underwent an MRI earlier this week after he missed Monday’s practice with knee soreness. Afterwards, Head coach Kevin O’Connell later confirmed that the quarterback had tore his meniscus in his right knee.

During his lone action in the preseason, which was a 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.

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In other news, Kevin 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, barring a trade from the Vikings.

“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.”

Here’s to hoping J.J. McCarthy makes a speedy recovery, and the Minnesota Vikings are able to see the young quarterback perform sooner rather than later.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.