Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy underwent a procedure and received a biologic injection to reduce swelling in his knee, according to a source. McCarthy is currently on season-ending injured reserve, recovering from a meniscus tear suffered during preseason.
McCarthy experienced intermittent swelling in his right knee following an increase in rehab. He underwent a minor procedure and received a biologic injection this week to assist in the healing process and ensure recovery from the meniscus tear remains on track, according to a team source. The procedure revealed no further concerns, and McCarthy remains on his original recovery timeline.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said during his Wednesday media availability that the move was a precautionary measure taken because of how much time he has.
“I’ve just enjoyed, as his rehab’s progressed, he can be in meetings and spend a little bit more time with us,” O’Connell said. “It’s been some real growth for him. Continues to ask great questions. … Feel really good about where he’s at.”
The 10th overall pick out of Michigan, McCarthy had a chance to compete for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job during preseason. He appeared in Minnesota’s first preseason game against the Raiders, finishing 11-for-17 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Following the injury, Sam Darnold was named the team’s starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Darnold, who has led Minnesota to a 7-2 record through the first nine games but struggled over the last month, is on a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings.
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What should we make of this McCarthy news?
Vikings fans’ minds typically go to the worst possible place amid news like this, but there isn’t any reason to for now. McCarthy has progressed in his rehab. A couple of months ago, he was riding around the TCO Performance Center in a motorized scooter. In the last couple of weeks, he’s been standing on the sidelines during games. This procedure surfaced from some swelling, and because the Vikings’ medical staff has been geared towards ensuring McCarthy recovers exceptionally from this injury in the long term, they decided this biologic injection made sense.
O’Connell discussed this Wednesday, and did not offer any reason to think there should be any major concern. Had McCarthy not torn his meniscus, there’s no telling what his circumstances would be right now. Given Sam Darnold’s turnover tendency the last couple of weeks, it feels fair to wonder whether he’d be starting. Regardless, as Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips stated Tuesday, Minnesota’s staff views this time period as a developmental opportunity, allowing McCarthy to prepare as if he’s navigating a season without the pressure of having to perform each Sunday. — Alec Lewis, Minnesota Vikings beat reporter
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(Photo: Adam Bettcher / Getty Images)
