J.J. McCarthy, the promising rookie quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, is facing a major setback as his debut season has been cut short before it even began. The news came as a blow to fans and the team as head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season due to a full meniscus repair.
The decision to undergo surgery was made after it became apparent that a full repair was necessary, rather than a trim that could have allowed for a quicker return to the field. O’Connell expressed confidence in McCarthy’s abilities, emphasizing that the young quarterback has shown great potential and is the long-term solution for the franchise.
“As excited as I was to draft him, he’s confirmed everything that I hoped to see … our fanbase and everyone should just be excited about the fact that we’ve got our young franchise quarterback, I believe, in the building,” O’Connell said.
With McCarthy out for the season, veteran Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year contract with the Vikings this offseason, now assumes the role of the clear starter with no competition. Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall, who filled in last season after Kirk Cousins’ injury, will return as backups.
The team will now look to regroup and focus on the upcoming season without McCarthy at the helm. Despite the setback, O’Connell remains optimistic about the team’s future and is confident in the abilities of his players.
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