Before the team arrived at the TCO Performance Center for this summer's training camp, there were plenty of questions about whether or not Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy would get a chance to play during the 2024 regular season.
Unfortunately, those questions were put to rest after McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Vikings' first preseason game of the year. On Friday, Minnesota's rookie quarterback opened up to reporters about how he's dealt with the fact that he has to miss the entire 2024 campaign.
"Honestly, really good. It's tough, it's kind of a kick in the balls. But you know what? You take everything that life throws at you, and you find the positive in it, good or bad.
I feel like I've been able to gain those deeper connections with my teammates and really take a step back and learn the offense in a more relaxed kind of state of mind. I'm just appreciating every moment."
J.J. McCarthy making the most of his time off the field with the Minnesota Vikings
From the sounds of it, McCarthy is taking the right approach to what lies ahead for him during the next few months. He knows there are still plenty of ways that he can improve as a quarterback this year without even needing to step on the football field.
Earlier this week, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shared how he still wants McCarthy to be involved with the team as much he possibly can this season, despite his injury.
"I want to see him. I want his teammates to see him every day. I want him in meetings. I'm going to meet with him personally one day a week and make sure that I can be personally challenging him on his ownership of the game plans, the why behind things we're doing, play intent for me, making sure he's still having a major role leadership wise."
Before knee injury last month, some already thought that it might be beneficial for McCarthy's development to sit on the sidelines for his entire rookie season. So, with the young quarterback unable to play at all in 2024, he really is going to get the entire year to focus on his development.
Would it have been fun to see what McCarthy could have done in the regular season for Minnesota this year? Sure, but in the long run, the time he will be spending on the sidelines this season could end up turning into a huge benefit for his future with the Vikings.