Top rookie QB out for entire NFL season after knee surgery

J.J. McCarthy’s rookie season is over before it ever began in earnest.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing a full meniscus repair on Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced.
McCarthy, who was the No. 10 pick in April’s NFL draft after leading Michigan to a national championship, was held out of practice Monday after playing in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Tuesday, O’Connell said the quarterback would need to undergo surgery, but it was not clear until McCarthy underwent surgery whether he would need a full repair or merely a trim, which could have allowed for a return this season.
O’Connell said despite the injury, he was more convinced than ever that the franchise has found its long-term solution behind center.
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“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.
Veteran Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year contract with Minnesota this offseason, now stands as the clear starter without a challenger.
Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall, who combined to start five last season after Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles, both return as backups.
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