Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell halts J.J. McCarthy's momentum following unexpected announcement

Making his Minnesota Vikings debut in front of the nation on Saturday, QB J.J. McCarthy was the belle of the ball in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Dropping dimes and looking like a promising pick, it's early but the returns have been very positive on McCarthy.

But following an announcement from HC Kevin O'Connell on Monday night, the momentum has been slowed:

McCarthy being evaluated for Knee Injury

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy came in today and reported right knee soreness. He’s getting testing done. Kevin O’Connell says he had planned for more work with 1s tonight and this week at joint practices. Results of tests will kinda dictate plan.

- Alec Lewis of The Athletic, via Twitter/X

For McCarthy, the news certainly doesn't help his push for the starting QB job, though HC KOC already announced that Darnold would be the starter, with the depth chart proving as much.

Nonetheless, the news puts a sour footnote on his preseason, especially after his debut where McCarthy completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a 116.8 rating.

The Vikings have joint practices with the Cleveland Browns scheduled for this week, and McCarthy was set to receive first-team reps. He may still participate if the soreness disappears, but for now, the focus will turn to what his testing shows and what he's diagnosed with.