Vikings Top Pick J.J. McCarthy To Undergo Knee Surgery
Torn Meniscus Shelves No. 10 Overall Pick from Michiagn

Vikings’ QB Plans Shift as McCarthy Undergoes Knee Surgery
There won’t be a quarterback controversy in the Minnesota Vikings training camp going forward. After an impressive debut, first-round pick J J McCarthy injured his knee and will have surgery for a meniscus issue. That means, in NFL news, Sam Darnold is the Vikings’ starter for now.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announces that J.J. McCarthy will undergo a procedure for a torn meniscus in his right knee. pic.twitter.com/O0JgNBgB5t
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 13, 2024
This has to be the ultimate summer bummer for head coach Kevin Connelly and his staff. The Vikings sat tight on the first night of the NFL draft in April, hoping the Michigan star would be there for them at the 10th pick. Their patience paid off, and McCarthy was there, so they quickly grabbed him. Unfortunately, J J McCarthy injured his knee, putting a damper on the team’s plans.

Vikings’ Quarterback Battle: Darnold Steps Up as McCarthy Recovers
The Vikings are looking for a new starting quarterback in 2024 because Kirk Cousins exited via free agency, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. There was much anticipation of how McCarthy would do in a battle for the position with Darnold, who was once a third-overall pick by the New York Jets but has now played for numerous teams.
In his preseason debut, McCarthy was 11 of 17 for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-23 win over the Raiders. Darnold played the first series before the rookie from Michigan took over. Darnold has been getting most of the first-team reps in training camp.
@espn The #Vikings select J.J. McCarthy 10th overall 🔥 #jjmccarthy #nfldraft ♬ original sound – ESPN
McCarthy came to the Vikings from the national champion Wolverines. He led them to a 15-0 record while throwing for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, J J McCarthy injured his knee, which caused him to miss practice on Monday. Tests discovered the torn meniscus. Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens are the other quarterbacks in Vikings camp, and they will vie for who backs up Darnold until McCarthy is healthy.