Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy will have surgery on his knee, with the rookie reportedly facing up to six weeks on the sidelines in his first NFL season.
The 21-year-old, who was selected by Minnesota with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 draft, requires treatment for a torn meniscus in his right knee.
McCarthy is expected to be out for between four to six weeks, according to NFL Network, with Sam Darnold set to be the Vikings’ starter for the new season.
The Vikings kick off the 2024 season against the New York Giants on September 8, ahead of games against the 49ers, the Texans, the Packers, and the Jets.
McCarthy entered the draft after leading Michigan to the national championship under Jim Harbaugh, who now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers.
Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy will miss the start of the NFL season because of a knee issue
The 10th overall pick, pictured with his fiancee Katya Kuropas, has suffered a torn meniscus
He was one of five quarterbacks selected with the first 10 picks, after 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 it was confirmed that he requires an operation.
‘Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time,’ McCarthy wrote on social media after news of his surgery was confirmed.
Darnold was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.
Sam Darnold is set to be the Vikings’ starter for the new season, which kicks off 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 the Carolina Panthers before choosing to sign a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
The 27-year-old was the back-up to Brock Purdy as Kyle Shanahan’s team reached the Super Bowl, where they were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs.
