Vikings fans lose hope as J.J. McCarthy suffers season-ending knee injury: "We're cursed"

After shining in his rookie pre-season debut, Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will sit out for the remainder of the season. Following Saturday's pre-season victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, McCarthy reported knee discomfort to the team on Monday.

As a result, the team kept him out of Monday's practice and revealed that he had a torn meniscus. The following day, on Tuesday, it was revealed that he would have surgery that would keep him sidelined for the year.

NFL reporter Tom Peliserro tweeted the following:

"#Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 season after having his torn meniscus repaired today by Dr. Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics, sources tell me and @RapSheet Disappointing end to Year 1, but repair gives McCarthy the best chance at a long career."

Upon finding out about the news, Vikings fans were devastated. Many thought McCarthy had a good chance to be the Week 1 starter, while others thought he would be good whenever he took the field.

In his pre-season debut, J.J. McCarthy completed 11-of-18 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Here's how fans reacted:

"Vikings fans got it the worst fr," one fan Tweeted.

"Vikings fans are allergic to hope," one person Tweeted.

"Tough for Vikings Fans," one fan said.

While fans were heartbroken upon finding out about McCarthy's season-ending injury, some fans positively looked at the situation.

Here's how other fans reacted:

"Might be the best thing that ever happened to him in terms of his future NFL career? Gets to sit for a year, weak starter, no pressure to put him on the field from the fan base," one fan said.

"That sucks. Young guy finally realizes a dream and has to wait another year. Go Big Blue!" one fan wrote.

"Whole year of watching tape. Only way to look at it positively," one fan said.

Sam Darnold will start for the Minnesota Vikings this season at quarterback

Sam Darnold during Las Vegas Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings (source: Getty)

Before selecting J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings signed veteran free agent Sam Darnold to a one-year contract. Darnold was signed to compete for the Vikings' starting quarterback position after Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Now, Darnold won't have a competitive battle. With McCarthy done for the year, Darnold is set to enter the season as the team's starting quarterback. He served as Brock Purdy's backup in San Francisco last season.

Darnold completed 4-of-8 passes against the Las Vegas Raiders for 59 yards last weekend. Nick Mullens is expected to serve as the team's backup, with Jaren Hall as the third-string quarterback.