What is next for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J McCarthy post injury?

When the Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round, the plan was always for him to be ready to take over the franchise in 2025. The team brought Sam Darnold to be the primary starter this season so that McCarthy could continue to develop and learn before taking over next season. However, the quarterback made great strides in his development to push Darnold for the starting job this season.

Now that the rookies' season is lost due to a torn meniscus, where does JJ McCarthy and his development go from here?

The first step will be getting cleared for rehab. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said in his press conference on Wednesday afternoon that once McCarthy is released from the hospital post-surgery, he is expected back at the Vikings facility to begin preparing for his rehab program. O’Connell also stated he expects McCarthy to participate in several quarterback meetings throughout the season as a part of his development plan to continue mentally learning the system and nuances of being an NFL quarterback even though he cannot take the physical reps.

After that, the work will begin for McCarthy to take the next step into being the future franchise quarterback during the 2025 season. The injury impacts McCarthy’s development plan on several levels. First and foremost, his health and making sure his knee heals properly will be vital for him to return to form next season, but there is more at stake for McCarthy with a lost rookie campaign.

The biggest thing O’Connell wanted from McCarthy this offseason and preseason was live-action reps. He wanted McCarthy to get continuous work in the offense with live reps in training camp and during the preseason to get the rookie comfortable in the system. With McCarthy now sidelined, those live reps must wait until the following offseason, which could impact the speed at which McCarthy develops.

After what McCarthy showcased in the little time he played this offseason, there is very little doubt that he will be ready to start for the team next season. Still, the coaching staff and front office will have to alter his development plan slightly now that live-action reps are no longer an option this season.

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