J.J. McCarthy injury update: Former Michigan QB needs knee surgery after tearing meniscus

The start of J.J. McCarthy's NFL career will be delayed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings announced that the former Michigan football quarterback has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will undergo surgery. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the damage the meniscus has could determine how long he is out.

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McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, made his preseason debut for the Vikings this past weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 18 rushing yards on two carries. He competed with veteran Sam Darnold for the starting position during camp, which was left vacant after Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency this offseason.

McCarthy missed Monday's practice after complaining about knee soreness. McCarthy helped the Wolverines capture their first national championship since 1997, beating Washington 34-13 in the national championship game.

J.J. McCarthy injury update

The former Wolverine tore his meniscus, O'Connell revealed. He will be out indefinitely and undergo surgery. A decision about what kind of surgery McCarthy will have to repair his meniscus will be determined at the start of his procedure, which will determine how long he is out, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

J.J. McCarthy confirms injury in tweet

McCarthy confirmed the news of his injury in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) and promised a return to the field.

J.J. McCarthy college stats

McCarthy played for three seasons for the Wolverines, including as the full-time starter as a sophomore and junior, before being the sixth quarterback picked in the 2024 NFL draft.

Here's a look at McCarthy's stats with Michigan:

• 2023: 240-for-332 passing (72.3%), 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, four interceptions, 167.4 passer rating
• 2022: 208-for-322 passing (64.6%), 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns, five interceptions, 155.0 passer rating
• 2021: 34-for-59 passing (57.6%), 516 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, 152.3 passer rating
• Career: 482-for-713 passing (67.6%), 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 160.5 passer rating