Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to miss his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery for a knee problem, according to reports.
The 21-year-old was initially thought to only be sidelined for the first few weeks of the NFL season after suffering a torn cartilage in his right knee.
But reports emerged Wednesday that McCarthy needed a complete meniscus repair and will now be out for the entire 2024 season.
The quarterback was selected by Minnesota with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, but Sam Darnold will now be the Vikings’ starter.
The Vikings open their 2024 campaign against the New York Giants on Sept. 8, before games against the 49ers, Texans, Packers and Jets.
Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is expected to miss his entire rookie season after surgery
The 10th overall pick, pictured with fiancée Katya Kuropas, needed a complete meniscus repair.
McCarthy entered the draft after leading Michigan to a national championship under Jim Harbaugh, who now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers.
He was one of five quarterbacks selected with the first 10 picks, following Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Drake Maye (Patriots) and Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons).
But the 21-year-old will now have to wait for his NFL debut after the extent of his injury became clear.
“Love you Viking Nation. I’ll be back in a flash,” McCarthy wrote on social media after news of his surgery was confirmed Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Darnold was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.
Sam Darnold will be the Vikings’ starter for the new season, which begins in September.
McCarthy entered the draft after leading Michigan to the national championship.
It was another star-studded class that saw Baker Mayfield (Browns), Josh Allen (Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Ravens) selected in the first round.
Darnold joined the New York Jets, where he remained until 2021.
He was then traded to the Carolina Panthers before opting to sign a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
The 27-year-old was Brock Purdy’s backup when Kyle Shanahan’s team reached the Super Bowl, where they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.