Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy undergoing further testing for knee injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s performance was a success against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday in the team's first preseason game but for Vikings fans, it might have been too good.

The Vikings were slated for a night practice on Monday but Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy won’t participate after reporting knee soreness following Saturday’s 24-23 victory over the Raiders.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert also added that he has no reason to think that the injury is beyond a “routine situation” but he will undergo further testing and it is unclear whether McCarthy will travel for this week’s joint practices for the Browns.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy undergoing further testing for knee injury

Any potential injury for McCarthy is a gut punch in more ways than one. McCarthy was impressive outside of an early interception and finished completing 11-of-17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders. O’Connell also said that McCarthy was scheduled to have his first-team reps increased beginning with Monday’s practice.

If McCarthy is out for an extended period time, it’s a big hit in the development of the 10th overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft. But it also carries a level of emotional distress for a fan base that has seen its share of knee injuries, most notably Daunte Culpepper and Teddy Bridgewater.

If McCarthy needs to spend some time to rest, it will reduce the chances that he’ll start the Sept. 8 season opener at the New York Giants. But the Vikings were planning to start Sam Darnold and take their time with McCarthy’s development.

Of course, that assumed that McCarthy was getting reps behind the scenes. And if he’s on the sidelines, it could delay the process of taking over the starting role. This news comes before Minnesota's joint practices with the Cleveland Browns this week.

For now, the extent of the injury isn’t known. But the Minnesota Vikings (and their fans) will hold their breath and hope for the best for their young quarterback.