New J.J. McCarthy Injury Update Gives Insight into Vikings Plan, His Progress

By Andrew Buller-Russ

·Updated: October 28, 2024

After starting 5-0, the Minnesota Vikings have faced adversity over the past two weeks, losing back-to-back games. They’re no longer in first place of the NFC North but remain in position to potentially snag a playoff spot later.

Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy is getting further along in his knee injury rehabilitation process. The Vikings’ franchise quarterback is still out for the season; that won’t change. But we are learning more about just how far along he is with his recovery timeline and how he’s been staying busy in the meantime.

Kevin O’Connell still holding weekly meetings with J.J. McCarthy

Two weeks ago, we learned that J.J. McCarthy joined his teammates before the Minnesota Vikings’ matchup against the Lions. It was the first time the first-round pick was back at U.S. Bank Stadium following his season-ending knee injury. He was even seen throwing the ball a bit.

Now, we have another update on the Vikings’ future franchise quarterback following the Rams game.

“J.J. McCarthy was part of the team’s traveling party for the first time. He went out to dinner in L.A. with the quarterbacks Wednesday night and was on the headset on the sideline Thursday night. He’ll be with the team going forward, but most of his focus is still on rehab. He’s building strength back now and isn’t yet at the point where it’s 50-50 rehab-to-football work, but he’s getting there.

McCarthy’s done a lot of rehab while his teammates are on the practice field, has participated in meetings and has a one-on-one meeting once a week with O’Connell.”
SI’s Albert Breer on J.J. McCarthy

It was previously reported that Coach O’Connell would hold weekly meetings with McCarthy throughout the season, ensuring his prized rookie’s development was coming along nicely. Yet, those plans could have easily gone up in smoke following his knee injury.

So, seeing that KOC is still allocating extra time to the 21-year-old, even when he’s not available to play, is a positive sign. But O’Connell’s investment in the first-round rookie quarterback shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the franchise’s fate lies with McCarthy.

Nevertheless, it’s good to hear that McCarthy got a chance to listen to the play calls from the headset in a live game, too. They may not be actual game reps that he can play, but he’s still gaining valuable experience, only in a different form. Once again, it appears that the Vikings are handling their quarterback room very well, largely thanks to Coach O’Connell, but Josh McCown’s presence can’t hurt either.