Browns vs. Vikings: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Knee Surgery

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to host the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday in their second preseason game of the year. ... just as news came out on Tuesday that Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will go under the knife to repair his meniscus.

“Vikings rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is expected to be undergo knee surgery that will determine how much time he will be sidelined,” Adam Schefter wrote on X. “McCarthy complained about knee soreness over the weekend, and underwent an MRI on Monday night.

“How extensive the surgery on J.J. McCarthy’s meniscus is will determine how long he will be sidelined.”

McCarthy had an impressive debut, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns last week. He was drafted to be the replacement for Kirk Cousins who left in free agency to Atlanta.

Sam Darnold is likely to get all of the first-team reps this week and then give way to Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.

Related: Is Browns' Third-Round Pick A Surprising Cut Candidate?

“Here’s the key part about J.J. McCarthy’s knee surgery,” Schefter said in another tweet. “A decision will be made at the time of his operation about whether his meniscus requires a trimming or a complete repair, which will determine the length of his recovery. They are two different timelines.”

If a full repair is required, McCarthy could miss a chunk of the season.

The Browns host the Vikings on Saturday at Cleveland Browns Stadium with kickoff set for 3:25 p.m. CST.