In Photos: J.J. McCarthy begins rehab from knee injury with Vikings QB expected to miss major time in rookie season
J.J. McCarthy suffered a knee injury during the Minnesota Vikings' preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 11, which will keep him out for the entire 2024 NFL season. The quarterback needed to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus and has now begun his rehab.
On Saturday, the first few snaps of McCarthy's rehab dropped. A few captures were shared on his dog Marley's personal Instagram account, showing McCarthy in a knee brace on his right leg, lying beside his pup:
As per Marley's account bio, he is an English Cream Golden Retriever and is now helping McCarthy with his therapy.
There were high expectations around McCarthy in 2024, especially since he led the Michigan Wolverines to the national title earlier this year.
J.J. McCarthy to miss 2024 season after undergoing surgery
The Minnesota Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in this year's draft. Unfortunately, the signal-caller won't feature in his rookie season due to his knee injury, which is now on the mend after surgery.
In Minnesota's Week 1 preseason clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, McCarthy completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns as the Vikings posted a narrow 24-23 win.
While there was initial optimism about the player's injury, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell broke the unfortunate news of the rookie's condition on Aug. 13 to the media:
"It has been determined that J.J. does have a tear in his meniscus, in his right knee. He will need to undergo a procedure, obviously that will hopefully take place in the near future here."
O'Connell was also optimistic about McCarthy's recovery:
"But as far as a timeline on the injury, that will be determined during the procedure, based upon whether it can just be a cleanup or potentially a repair. That won't be able to be determined until that procedure takes place. I would just be speculating on a timeline for a return at this point."
McCarthy issued a defiant statement of his own on X/Twitter:
"Love you Viking nation. I'll be back in no time. Amor fati"
Since McCarthy possibly won't feature for the Vikings in the 2024 season, Sam Darnold will lead the team's offense. Minnesota also signed quarterback Matt Corral to its roster in a corresponding move after McCarthy's injury was announced.