Vikings' QB McCarthy to Undergo Knee Surgery, Darnold May Step In

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is scheduled for knee surgery to address a torn meniscus sustained during his preseason debut. The nature of the surgery will dictate his recovery timeline; a meniscus trim could see him sidelined for a few weeks, while a full repair might keep him out for several months. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, expressed optimism on social media, stating, “Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati.” In his first game against the Raiders, McCarthy showcased his potential, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, alongside two rushes for 18 yards. His injury leaves the Vikings with former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold as the likely starter for their season opener against the New York Giants. Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Minnesota, has had a tumultuous career since being drafted third overall in 2018. The Vikings have undergone significant changes at quarterback this offseason, with Kirk Cousins departing for the Atlanta Falcons on a lucrative four-year deal. Minnesota's decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall surprised Cousins, leading to McCarthy's selection shortly thereafter. Last season, the Vikings struggled under head coach Kevin O’Connell, finishing with a 7-10 record after a successful NFC North title run in his first year.