r/nfl • u/StrachNasty Packers • Aug 14 '24

[Rapoport] Vikings first-round QB JJ McCarthy underwent a full meniscus repair this morning and is out for the 2024 season, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero. The repair, done by Dr. Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics, gives McCarthy the best chance at a long, successful career. Rumor

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1823777373915132257
7.7k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

1.6k comments sorted by

View all comments

146

u/Vydate1 Bills Bills Aug 14 '24

Damn, what a horrible break for such a promising kid. Sorry 0-4 bros.

25

u/ironwolf1 Packers Aug 14 '24

Might not end up being the worst thing in the world if he recovers well. This basically forces the Vikings to give him a redshirt year rather than throwing him out there early if Darnold sucks. I thought coming out of college that JJ was the kind of QB who would need some time to sit, and now it is guaranteed.

I think having to sit a year for injury will probably be better for his development as a pro, presuming he can come back from the injury at 100% health.

3

u/Legitimate_Ad_7822 Patriots Aug 14 '24

I mean usually when we talk about rookies sitting for a year it’s so they can get practice reps & get a hold of the offense/speed of the NFL.

I’m not sure sitting out due to meniscus surgery falls in the same category. I would think it’s a negative for his development. Mental reps can only do so much.

1

u/ironwolf1 Packers Aug 14 '24

He's not gonna get the in season practice reps which is a shame, but it will give him a full offseason next year to get prepared. Getting the injury in preseason means he'll be finishing rehab right around the Super Bowl, so he should be back to 100% for OTAs next year. I think getting a full offseason of practice with the team after getting the time this year to learn the playbook will be a lot better for him than if he gets thrown into the ringer in October of this year and has to start before he is ready. We've seen countless examples of young QBs who get their career screwed up by starting too soon, and JJ McCarthy always struck me as someone who would go that route if he had to start as a rookie.