Minnesota Vikings Rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues his recovery path from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North's Darren Wolfson on Thursday, McCarthy is “doing well” in his rehabilitation.
The 2024 first-round pick underwent initial surgery in August after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during the preseason. McCarthy showed promise on his debut against las vegas raiderscompleted 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
This was followed by a second surgery in November due to swelling issues. However, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that the quarterback's recovery timeline remained unchanged. The typical recovery period for McCarthy meniscus repair is six to eight months.
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Wolfson's latest report suggests a measured approach to McCarthy's return.
“Is he on day one of the OTA? Or is he in a full mandatory minicamp in June, that might be a little aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury, the initial surgery,” Wolfson noted.
Meanwhile, Sam DarnoldThe amazing season has complicated the Vikings' quarterback situation. The veteran signal-caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.
JJ McCarthy trade rumors are intensifying with interest from the Giants
Uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy's future in Minnesota has sparked trade discussions. ESPN's Mel Kiper thinks so New York Giants They may offer their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for McCarthy's services.
“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He's been a year, coming off an injury. But he's a kid, if you look at his grades last year compared to the quarterbacks' grades this year, he's going to make it,” Kiper said on Unsportsmanlike Radio. on Wednesday, saying, “Be the No. 1 guy.”
The Giants' potential interest stems from their previous evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted a special meeting last Easter before finally choosing the recipient Malik Nabars With the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
McCarthy's college credentials support the trade buzz. He led Michigan to the national championship in 2023, recording 2,991 receiving yards with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 22-4. His 72.3% completion rate and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that several NFL teams may pursue McCarthy, given the limited quarterback talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they could accumulate multiple draft picks for the young quarterback.
The Vikings' decision will likely depend on Darnold's playoff performance. A deep postseason run could cement Darnold's status as the franchise's starting quarterback, which could make McCarthy available via trade. Right now, JJ McCarthy is focusing on his rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full strength for the 2025 season.
Edited by Kim Daniel Robinos
