Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to undergo knee surgery - ESPN

EAGAN, Minn. — The status of J.J. McCarthy is in question after tests revealed the Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback has a tear in the meniscus of his right knee, with a final determination to be made once he undergoes surgery this week.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the injury Tuesday, saying it occurred during Saturday's 24-23 preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. McCarthy threw the second of his two touchdown passes on his final play and left only after he played the 30 snaps O'Connell planned for him to take.

McCarthy did not mention any pain or soreness until reporting it Monday to team medical officials. In a post on X, McCarthy said: «Love you Viking nation. I'll be back in no time. Amor fati,» referencing the belief that one should appreciate all experiences in life regardless of whether they are pleasant.

Doctors will decide during surgery whether McCarthy needs a trim of the meniscus — which could allow him to return this season — or a full repair that could sideline him until 2025.

«That's totally, totally a medical decision,» O'Connell said. «Certainly, what's best for the long-term health of J.J. McCarthy will be the priority. I don't have that answer and really won't be a part of determining that answer.… I have total complete trust in our medical staff and also the people that will be performing the procedure.»

The news of McCarthy's injury only further ensures that veteran Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year contract worth $10 million in March after spending 2023 as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, will be the Vikings' starting quarterback in Week 1 and likely beyond.

Darnold has taken all but two of the Vikings' first-team offensive snaps during training camp and also started