Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will have knee surgery and is out indefinitely. The news was broken by Adam Schefter of ESPN moments before Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media.
O’Connell confirmed the news at his press conference on Tuesday, saying McCarthy has a torn meniscus. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the severity of meniscus surgeries is unknown until the knee is examined to see if it needs a full repair or just trimming.
J.J. McCarthy took to social media after the news was announced to reassure Vikings fans. He used the Latin phrase “amor fati,” which was popularized by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzche and translates to a love or acceptance of one’s fate.
Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati
— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) August 13, 2024
As of now, this injury does not have a timeline, but we know that Sam Darnold will be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Darnold’s debut in the purple and gold will come against the New York Giants as they kick off their 100th season.
Darnold and McCarthy both looked good on Saturday as the team had a comeback win against the Raiders to kick off the preseason. It was the team’s first preseason win since 2019.