J.J. McCarthy's journey to becoming the next great Michigan QB in the NFL will have to wait after knee update

J.J. McCarthy's NFL career was looking like it could get off to a fast start after he led all passers in several key categories through the first week of preseason action with the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately the hype surrounding a potential early breakout for McCarthy has been brought to an unceremonious halt following an update on his torn meniscus.

According to multiple verified sources J.J. McCarthy's surgery he had on the torn meniscus revealed that a full repair (not the simpler trimming option) was required, which means he will now be missing the entire 2024 NFL season.

McCarthy suffered what seemed at first to be a less-than-season-ending injury against the Las Vegas Raiders this past weekend, mentioning soreness in his knee. He would go on to miss Monday practice, but the significance of the knee injury was still unclear. After further medical examination it became clear that it was a meniscus tear that would require some sort of surgery.

For those unfamiliar with meniscus injuries there are typically two types of options for surgery. One involves "shaving" or "trimming" of the torn portion of the meniscus. That option, while potentially less optimal for the long-term, is a good way to recover faster and get back on the field. The other is a full repair, involving anchors to be installed to close the tear. Since McCarthy's injury required a full repair, that recovery timetable will be much longer.

Related: Status of Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy revealed after successful surgery on meniscus

It's a shame that McCarthy's NFL career will have to take off a bit later than many expected, but he is expected to fully recover. And McCarthy will still assuredly have a chance to become one of the next great Michigan quarterbacks to find success in the NFL when he returns from injury.

The Wolverines, of course, sent Tom Brady to the league where he went on to become potentially the greatest of all time, but many other Michigan quarterbacks went on to have solid NFL careers too. Brian Griese, national champion head coach Jim Harbaugh, Chad Henne, and Elvis Grbac--just to name a few--all went on to have impressive NFL careers following their time with the Michigan Wolverines. McCarthy could go on to be better than many of them once he's given his shot in 2025.

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And if you want to reminisce on J.J. McCarthy's amazing Michigan career just check out his highlights below!