“I thought it was a bruise. I thought at most it could’ve been a strain somewhere. But when they told me it’s a pretty serious tear, yeah, I was taken away by that.” After the preseason game in August, JJ McCarthy was surprised when the doctors informed him about his season-ending injury. The Minnesota Vikings rookie was done for the 2024 season after undergoing surgery on his torn right meniscus. Meanwhile, it was also speculated during the season that he might come back, depending on his recovery. But he didn’t. However, now the doctors have released a new report.
According to PT, DPT Jeff Mueller on X, “The second “procedure” was likely blown out of proportion and there continues to be indicators that JJ McCarthy is/will be ready to go once the team starts practicing after the NFL draft.” Yes! McCarthy, whom Minnesota selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round in last year’s draft is seen to be back soon.
But all of these statements weren’t released only because of his recovery process. Fans were also given some pictures of JJ McCarthy in a workout session. This happened in Illinois when the QB was spotted in good spirits doing a private workout. In addition, the Vikings’s rookie also reportedly said that he is ahead of the schedule and is ready to go.
The second “procedure” was likely blown out of proportion and there continues to be indicators that JJ McCarthy is/will be ready to go once the team starts practicing after the NFL draft https://t.co/MqaiGsu5dv
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) February 16, 2025
This means that JJ McCarthy will surely be back in the next season, hoping to experience the plays he didn’t in the last season. On the other hand, Vikings’s other quarterback Sam Darnold, who led the team to the wildcard round, is slated to hit the free agency market this offseason. No extension news on Darnold’s contract has been out till now, as the team is likely to move forward with McCarthy as their QB1.
So, now it remains to be seen how JJ McCarthy gets to this upcoming NFL season. Until then, he is making good connections with his teammates, especially Justin Jefferson.
JJ McCarthy is the new hope for Justin Jefferson and team?
Vikings’s star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was amazed to see his teammate and quarterback JJ McCarthy’s eagerness to learn and develop. During an interview with reporter Jonathan Adams on Saturday, Jefferson expressed, “He’s [McCarthy] a sponge, for sure. You know, he’s a guy that wants to learn. He’s a guy that wants to be a top tier quarterback in this league. Every single day we’re chopping it up. We’re talking, not only about football, but just in life in general.”
In addition, Jefferson also added that “having that connection with him before he even steps on the field in space, something that’s special. I’m excited to see what he does.” It’s pretty cool to see teammate Jefferson supporting the young quarterback. And it’s way more cool to witness how JJ McCarthy is gelling up with his people, despite his last season being cut with the ACL tear.
So, now it remains to be seen how far the QB goes in the season. Will he be able to replace Sam Darnold successfully, especially after their playoff season? Let’s wait for that as JJ McCarthy still has plenty of time left in his next game schedule.
The post JJ McCarthy Injury: Doctor Confirms Vikings’ QB’s Return Timeline as He’s Spotted Working Out appeared first on EssentiallySports.
