JJ McCarthy injury update: Latest on Vikings QB's rehab status following knee surgery

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues his recovery path 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 rehabilitation process.

The 2024 first-round draft pick underwent his initial surgery in August after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during the preseason. McCarthy had shown promise in his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

A second surgery followed in November due to swelling issues. However, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell maintained that the quarterback's recovery timeline remained unchanged. The typical recovery period for McCarthy's meniscus repair spans six to eight months.

Wolfson's latest report suggests a measured approach to McCarthy's return;

"Is he a full go first day of OTA's? Or is he a full go June mandatory minicamp, that's probably a bit aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury, the initial surgery," Wolfson noted.

Meanwhile, Sam Darnold's spectacular season has complicated the Vikings' quarterback situation. 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

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The uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy's future in Minnesota has sparked trade discussions. ESPN's Mel Kiper believes the New York Giants might offer their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for McCarthy's services.

"J.J. McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He's had a year, he's coming off the injury. But he's a kid, if you look at his grades last year compared to the grades this year of the quarterbacks, he would be the No. 1 guy," Kiper stated on the "Unsportsmanlike Radio" on Wednesday.

The Giants' potential interest stems from their previous evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted him for a private meeting last Easter Sunday before ultimately selecting receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.

McCarthy's college credentials support the trade buzz. He guided Michigan to a national championship in 2023, posting 2,991 passing yards with a 22-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 72.3% completion rate and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports multiple NFL teams might pursue McCarthy, given the limited quarterback talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they could package multiple draft picks 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, potentially making McCarthy available via trade. For now, JJ McCarthy focuses on his rehabilitation, aiming to return to full strength for the 2025 season.