Shortly after the Minnesota Vikings announced on Tuesday that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is going to undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, many flooded online to share their thoughts on how long the young signal-caller could potentially be sidelined.
Among those who weighed in online was Dr. Evan Jeffries, who is a doctor of physical therapy and an injury analyst on Fox Sports Radio. Dr. Jeffries laid out the best and worst-case scenario's for McCarthy in terms of his recovery time after his upcoming knee procedure.
Timeline will be determine based on surgery
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) August 13, 2024
Menisectomy 4-6 weeks
Meniscus repair 4-6 months
Short term vs long term health
Focus for Minnesota Vikings should be on 2025 and beyond when it comes to the J.J. McCarthy injury
While McCarthy potentially having to sit out for four to six months before returning to the football field would be disappointing for Minnesota fans who were excited to see him play this season, the Vikings need to focus on what is best for the future of the young quarterback.
Sure, a smaller procedure results in a quick recovery time, but Minnesota shouldn't feel the urge to rush McCarthy back onto the field when Sam Darnold has already been the team's projected Week 1 starting signal-caller.
If doctors determine that McCarthy needs a full meniscus repair and he has to be sidelined for at least four months, then that's what has to be done.
The Vikings didn't draft him earlier this year to immediately be the team's starting quarterback and help them contend for a championship in his very first season. No, Minnesota drafted McCarthy to be the team's long-term franchise quarterback.
So, whatever surgical procedure is needed in order to give him a better chance to have a long, successful career in a Vikings uniform is the one that needs to be selected, regardless of the recovery time.
Sure, it would be nice to see McCarthy back on the field for Minnesota sooner rather than later. But if doctors determine he needs a surgery that requires a recovery time of at least four months, then Vikings fans have to trust that the team is doing what is best for the rookie quarterback's long-term future with the franchise.