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Sports
The Associated Press

Vikings QB McCarthy needs surgery on meniscus tear in right knee, a big setback in rookie’s progress

People play football on field
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is hit by Las Vegas Raiders safety Jaydon Grant (40) during the first half of an NFL football game on Saturday in Minneapolis.
Bruce Kluckhohn | AP

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Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a torn meniscus in his right knee that will require surgery, coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday.

McCarthy was hurt at some point Saturday during his preseason debut, when he went 11 for 17 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Las Vegas. McCarthy reported persistent soreness to the team when players reconvened Monday, sending the 10th overall pick in the draft out of national champion Michigan for further examination.

The Vikings had not yet determined a date for the procedure or learned how long the 21-year-old will need to recover, meaning McCarthy could be back in about a month or miss the entire season. The rehabilitation for a full repair is much longer than if there’s just a partial tear, and the severity is typically not known until the procedure takes place. Even if McCarthy’s injury is considered minor and he comes back on the shorter end of the range of timetables, this development was a big blow considering the promise he has shown and the plan to increase his turns with the first-team offense this week through the end of training camp.

The Vikings were traveling Tuesday for two days of joint practices and a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Sam Darnold has been on top of the depth chart at quarterback all spring and summer and will now be solidified as the starter to open the season. Nick Mullens will be the clear backup, with Jaren Hall also on the roster entering his second year. O’Connell said he had no immediate plan to add another quarterback.