Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues his recovery path from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson on Thursday, McCarthy is “doing well” in his process of rehabilitation.
The 2024 first-round draft pick underwent his initial surgery in August after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during the preseason. McCarthy had shown promise in his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
A second surgery was performed in November due to swelling issues. However, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell maintained that the quarterback’s recovery schedule remained unchanged. The typical recovery period for McCarthy meniscus repair is six to eight months.
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Wolfson’s latest report suggests a measured approach to McCarthy’s return;
“Is he full on the first day of OTAs? Or is he full at the mandatory minicamp in June, that’s probably a little aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury, the initial surgery,” Wolfson said.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold’s spectacular season has complicated the Vikings’ quarterback situation. The veteran signal-caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.
JJ McCarthy trade rumors intensify as Giants show interest
The uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota has sparked trade discussions. ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes the New York Giants could offer their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for McCarthy’s services.
“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He’s had one year and is coming off the injury. But he’s a kid, if you look at his grades from last year compared to this year’s grades of the quarterbacks , he will be number one,” Kiper declared Wednesday on the “Unsportsmanlike Radio” program.
The Giants’ potential interest stems from their previous evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted him in a private meeting last Easter Sunday before ultimately selecting catcher Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
McCarthy’s college credentials back up the trade rumors. He led Michigan to a national championship in 2023, recording 2,991 passing yards with a 22-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 72.3% completion rate and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that several NFL teams could pursue McCarthy, given the quarterback’s limited talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they could package multiple draft picks for the young quarterback.
The Vikings’ decision will likely depend on Darnold’s playoff performance. A deep postseason run could solidify Darnold’s position as franchise quarterback, potentially making McCarthy available via trade. For now, JJ McCarthy is focused on his rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full fitness for the 2025 season.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos.