J.J. McCarthy Injury History & Analysis

The Vikings have been linked to free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks. Minnesota is Rodgers' preferred destination, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn't exactly squash the rumors when asked about Rodgers on Wednesday. "For me to sit here and say that anything's 100 percent forever, that's just not the job," Adofo-Mensah said. "We're responding to scenarios and different information as it comes. So obviously things can change, but right now we're really happy with our [quarterback] room and we're going to look to upgrade it in different ways." Adofo-Mensah added that J.J. McCarthy as the starting QB is "the outcome we want" and "the outcome we're headed towards."

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is back on the field, throwing and training, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thursday. McCarthy is working his way back from a right knee injury suffered in August. He had his meniscus repaired on August 14 and a second surgery in November to address swelling. But it sounds like McCarthy is trending in the right direction now and should be able to participate in the offseason program

The Vikings and QB Sam Darnold have not had any discussions about a long-term contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Darnold is scheduled to hit free agency in March. He's had a nice season for Minnesota, but the team spent the 10th overall pick of this year's draft on QB J.J. McCarthy, who's the favorite to start next season.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy underwent a second surgery on his right knee earlier this week, HC Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday. McCarthy originally went under the knife on August 14 to repair a torn meniscus. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, this latest procedure was a "biologic injection" to address swelling in the knee that developed during the rehab process. McCarthy's recovery timeline has not changed, meaning he's still expected to be ready for the 2025 campaign. This sounds like a minor footnote in McCarthy's story, but we'll continue to keep an eye on his rehab. He remains a strong dynasty stash in this O'Connell-led passing game.

The Vikings announced Wednesday that QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season. Surgery on the meniscus in the rookie's right knee revealed that he needed a full repair.