Minnesota Vikings Rookie JJ McCarthy continues to recover from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North's Darren Wolfson on Thursday, McCarthy is “doing well” in his rehab process.
The 2024 first-round pick underwent initial surgery in August after experiencing discomfort on his right knee during the preseason. He promised in his debut against McCarthy Las Vegas RaidersCompletes 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
A second operation was performed in November due to swelling problems. However, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell maintained that the linebacker's recovery timeline remains the same. The typical recovery time for McCarthy's meniscus repair is six to eight months.
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Wolfson's latest report offers a measured approach to McCarthy's return;
“Is he a complete walk on the first day of OTAs? Or is he in June mandatory minicamp, probably a little aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury, the initial surgery,” Wolfson noted.
Meanwhile, Sam DarnoldA great season has made the Vikings' quarterback situation difficult. The veteran signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.
JJ McCarthy trade rumors intensify as Giants show interest
Uncertainty over JJ McCarthy's future in Minnesota has fueled trade discussions. ESPN's Mel Kiper believes so New York Giants McCarthy's could offer the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for his services.
“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He's a year old, he's coming off an injury. But he's a kid, if you look at his grades last year, compared to this year's grades for quarterbacks, he's the No. 1 guy,” Kiper said Wednesday on Sports He said on the radio.
The Giants' potential interest stems from their previous evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted him for an in-person meeting last Easter Sunday before finally selecting a receiver Malik Nabers With the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
McCarthy's college credentials back up the trade buzz. He led Michigan to a national championship in 2023, posting 2,991 passing yards with a 22-4 touchdown-to-catch ratio. His 72.3% completion rate and 167.4 passer rating lead the Big Ten.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that many NFL teams could pursue McCarthy given the limited linebacker talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they may have more than one option for the young quarterback.
The Vikings' decision likely hinges on Darnold's playoff performance. A deep postseason run could cement Darnold's position as the franchise quarterback and potentially land McCarthy via trade. For now, JJ McCarthy is focusing on rehab with the goal of returning to full strength for the 2025 season.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos