Why the J.J. McCarthy injury news isn’t as bad as it seems for the Vikings

The week started in an alarming fashion for the Minnesota Vikings and their fan base, as rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was experiencing some knee soreness following his outstanding preseason debut last weekend.

The news quickly spiraled from mere knee soreness to the report that the rookie quarterback would undergo surgery, but it was still unknown as to how long he'd be out of commission. McCarthy took to social media, almost immediately following the initial report, in order to assure Vikings fans he would be okay.

Wednesday afternoon, Vikings fans' worst fears were confirmed, though, in a saga that took a sudden, rapid turn.

News broke that McCarthy underwent a full meniscus repair and was pronounced out for the 2024 season.

After fans read the news, they were undoubtedly in shock and disappointed. This was the guy many fans wanted, and he essentially ended up falling into Minnesota's lap back in the 2024 NFL Draft.

While McCarthy's injury is unfortunate and puts a damper on the rookie's short-term outlook, in the long run, it isn't all bad news. In fact, there are a few reasons why this isn't necessarily an "end of the world" type scenario that some Vikings fans jumped to in the very beginning.

Minnesota Vikings now have no risk of a quarterback controversy in 2024

When Minnesota signed Sam Darnold earlier in the offseason, they paid him enough money that signaled the veteran would wind up starting Week 1. Not only that, but based on various reports over the offseason and following the draft, Minnesota would ideally see Darnold start the majority of the season, if not the entirety of it.

That way, McCarthy could sit for a year, learn and develop as best he can, and be ready to start in Year 2.

But, based on McCarthy's preseason debut a few days ago, one could already see the quarterback controversy coming from a mile away. McCarthy looked fantastic, and if he kept up those types of performances, the pressure would increase exponentially upon the shoulders of Darnold.

Now, the Vikings know who their starter is, no matter what. This is Darnold's job for 2024. There is no risk of a distraction amongst fans or even the locker room. If Darnold struggles, it would take a whole heck of a lot for the Vikings to bench him for the likes of Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall.

It's Darnold's job, period.

Again, the injury is a tough break for the rookie passer out of Michigan. This isn't how any young player deserves to begin their career. But now, he'll be forced to learn and absorb as much information as he possibly can.

From the looks of McCarthy in his first few months as a Viking, he's cut out for this adversity. He is going to attack this rehab like any pro would, and it'll make him better in the long run.

Everything happens for a reason. Sure, it's a cliché. But, in this instance, we're choosing to see the positive. McCarthy has a long career ahead of him. This is only a speed bump, and only further reiterates Minnesota's plan for Darnold this season.

Here's to a healthy recovery and a strong Year 2 from J.J.

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