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What J.J. McCarthy Injury Means for Detroit Lions

Rookie quarterback expected to be sidelined for the start of 2024 NFL season.

John Maakaron

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) talk
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) talk / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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After a stellar preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings are dealing with an injury to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

According to multiple reports, the Vikings first-round pick is set to undergo surgery to address a meniscus issue that was discovered after undergoing tests.

With the 2024 first-round pick set to have knee surgery, veteran Sam Darnold is likely in line be the Vikings starter, when the team travels to play the New York Giants to start the 2024 season.

“We’re going to continue an evaluation on him and get some more testing done,” O’Connell said, via ESPN, after the rookie complained of soreness. "He is a very important player, obviously, so we want to make sure we’re smart before he participates, making sure we have a good understanding of where he’s at.”

Against the Raiders, the former Michigan Wolverines signal-caller went 11-of-17 for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

His 30 snaps were impressive and started buzz regarding his potential to be named the Vikings starter Week 1.

The NFC North is expected to among the most competitive divisions in all of football. The Packers have revamped their defense, while the Bears and Vikings have invested in young quarterbacks to lead their offenses into the future.

While the injury is a setback, the Vikings are still considered behind the Packers and Bears as legitimate threats to dethrone the Lions atop the division.

Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are the other signal-callers currently battling in training camp for playing time and a spot on the 53-man roster.

Additional reading

1.) Lions Camp Notebook: Tate Feels Like Rookie, Houston Going Back to DE

2.) Brian Branch Reveals Why He Can 'Blitz' Much More in 2024

3.) Media, Fans Debate Lions Injury Reporting Policies

4.) Dave Fipp: 'Super Talented' Jake Bates Has Bright Future

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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