The Minnesota Vikings have decided to end the season of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as they placed him on injured reserve on Friday. McCarthy underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, forcing him out of action for the remainder of the season.

To fill McCarthy's spot on the roster, the Vikings wasted no time in signing free agent quarterback Matt Corral. Corral, a former third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, has also spent time with the New England Patriots and the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. The addition of Corral will add depth to the Vikings' quarterback lineup, alongside Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall.

McCarthy suffered his knee injury during his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 10. Despite his promising performance, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and throwing two touchdowns, McCarthy's injury went undetected until he reported knee soreness to the team medical officials on Monday. Following his surgery on Wednesday, it became clear that McCarthy would miss the entire rookie season.

This unfortunate turn of events makes McCarthy the first-ever first-round quarterback in the history of the modern draft era (since 1967) to sit out his entire rookie season due to an injury. The Vikings had high hopes for McCarthy, considering his impressive preseason debut, and his absence will be felt within the team.

The Vikings' decision to sign Matt Corral as a replacement shows their commitment to maintaining a strong quarterback lineup. Corral, with his experience in the NFL and the UFL, brings a valuable skill set to the team. It remains to be seen how the dynamic amongst the Vikings' quarterbacks will take shape with Corral's arrival.

As the Vikings move forward, they will have to adjust their strategies and game plans without the presence of McCarthy on the field. The loss of a young and talented quarterback certainly poses a challenge, but the team remains determined to make the most of their existing roster and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.