Viking rookie QB J.J. McCarthy had quite the preseason debut on Saturday, throwing for two touchdowns in a win over the Raiders. But after the game came reports of right knee soreness.
That soreness has just become a bigger problem.
McCarthy will not travel with the team to Cleveland this weekend due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. He will undergo a procedure at a later date to determine the severity of the injury.
Coach Kevin O'Connell said the injury took place during Saturday's game against the Raiders. O' Connell says the staff is trying to stay optimistic, but during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, O'Connell said he feels bad about his young player.
"You hurt for him just in the short term here because he, you know, had such a daily process, focus on all those things that I was really looking for in a young player at the position," O'Connell explained. "And first and foremost, we'll get this procedure done. We'll make sure that we're doing the right things for him to have the best possible recovery."
McCarthy took to X with an encouraging message for fans.
At this point, O'Connell isn't sure if the team will add another quarterback or about any timeframe McCarthy would be out.
The Vikings added NFL journeyman Sam Darnold in the offseason prior to drafting McCarthy at number 10 overall in this year's draft. The team expected Darnold to win the starting job to start the year, but so far McCarthy has been impressive including his first live action Saturday against Las Vegas.
O'Connell added he has full confidence in Darnold to lead the team. The Vikings also have veteran Nick Mullens on the roster.
They play their second preseason game Saturday afternoon in Cleveland. The regular season begins September 8 at the New York Giants.