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Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins in free agency, leaving them without a starting-caliber quarterback on the roster.
While the team quickly signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal to replace Cousins, Minnesota doesn’t view him as the long-term answer. The fan base expected the Vikings to trade into the top five of the NFL Draft to select McCarthy. Instead, the team waited and only moved up one spot to select the former Michigan star.
Many believe Darnold would be the team’s Week 1 starter, with McCarthy taking over at some point this upcoming season. Unfortunately, that might no longer be the case.
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UPDATE - August 14
McCarthy will miss his entire rookie campaign following a successful surgery on his meniscus. Rebuilding fantasy managers in dynasty leagues can consider sending an offer for him in preparation for next year. For now, it appears Sam Darnold is the locked-in starter for the Vikings.
Vikings rookie QB J. J. McCarthy is for out for the season. He had successful surgery this morning on his meniscus.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 14, 2024
When Is J.J. McCarthy Coming Back?
The former Michigan star suffered a knee injury in the 24-23 preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Reportedly, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and will undergo knee surgery. A decision will be made during the surgery about whether the rookie quarterback’s meniscus requires a trimming or a complete repair. The type of surgery will determine how much time he misses.
ESPN Sources: 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. McCarthy complained about knee soreness over the weekend, and underwent an MRI on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/EdqV8JSoNc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2024
If McCarthy only needs a trimming of his meniscus, he could return within the first few weeks of the upcoming season. However, his rookie year could be over if McCarthy needs a complete repair.
The Fantasy Football Impact
While the Vikings won’t have a definitive answer on McCarthy’s recovery timeline until after the surgery, fantasy players should prepare for the worst-case scenario and assume the rookie won’t play in 2024. If McCarthy misses his rookie season because of the knee injury, Darnold will be the starter quarterback all year.
The veteran quarterback won’t have any meaningful fantasy value in 1QB leagues. However, Darnold played well during Minnesota’s Week 1 preseason contest. Fantasy players should feel confident drafting Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at their ADPs if Darnold continues to play in the preseason like he did against the Raiders.
Sheesh what a layered throw by Darnold pic.twitter.com/7QN1pRcttP
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) August 10, 2024
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