J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending Vikings injury a ‘kick in the balls’

J.J. McCarthy will not be able to play for the Vikings in Week 1 against the Giants due to a knee injury, and he is still coping with the disappointment of not being on the field with his teammates.

“It’s tough. A kick in the balls,” McCarthy shared with reporters at the TCO Performance Center on Friday, his first public statement since the injury. “But you take everything life throws at you and look at the positive.”

In his only preseason appearance, the rookie completed 11 of 17 passing attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing twice for 18 yards.

He is uncertain about the exact moment he sustained the injury during the game.

“The adrenaline was flowing so much throughout that 60 minutes,” he explained, “I didn’t really feel it until the day when my knee started to buckle going down the stairs.”

McCarthy underwent a complete meniscus repair on Aug. 14 and will be sidelined for the entire season, allowing former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, now with the Vikings, to lead the offense.

Darnold, who is on a one-year contract, was originally expected to serve as a bridge quarterback until McCarthy was ready to take over later in the season.

With McCarthy out, Darnold now has the opportunity to revive his career as a full-time starter, stepping in for the departed Kirk Cousins.

McCarthy had an impressive season with the Michigan Wolverines in 2023, winning the National Championship.

During his time at Michigan, McCarthy benefited from playing with the best defense in the country, which held opponents to just 10.4 points per game, the lowest in Division I college football.

He threw for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions during the season.

Additionally, the Vikings will also be without star tight end TJ Hockenson at the start of the season.

Minnesota has placed Hockenson on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss the first six weeks of the regular season.