JJ McCarthy set for knee surgery that could cement Sam Darnold as Vikings’ Week 1 starter

Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set for knee surgery to fix a torn meniscus, and the type of surgery that needs to be done will determine just how long he’ll be out of action.

The No. 10 overall pick, who suffered the injury during his preseason debut on Saturday and reported knee soreness to the training staff on Monday, would be out for just a few weeks if the meniscus needs a trim, but a full repair could cost him months, per NFL Network.

“Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati,” McCarthy posted Tuesday on X.

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The 21-year-old went 11-for-17 with 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, along with two rushes for 18 yards, during the Vikings’ win against the Raiders.

Regardless of the surgery outcome, McCarthy being sidelined ostensibly means ex-Jet Sam Darnold will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Giants in East Rutherford.

Vikings list Sam Darnold as unofficial starter before preseason opener

The Vikings pivoted at quarterback during the offseason with Kirk Cousins bolting for the Falcons, who gave the 35-year-old a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed — only to draft Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in a decision that blindsided Cousins.

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Minnesota drafted McCarthy two picks later after trading up with the Jets, pairing him with Darnold, whom they signed to a one-year, $10 million contract.

Darnold, 27, had an ugly three-year stint with the Jets after he was taken No. 3 overall in the 2018 draft, and he had an unremarkable two-year run with the Panthers before serving as a backup for the 49ers last year.

The Vikings took a step back last season in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s second season, going 7-10 after winning the NFC North in his first year, which ended with a wild-card loss to the Giants.

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