Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 NFL season following successful surgery on his right knee's meniscus, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Wednesday. The injury was discovered during routine tests conducted after McCarthy reported knee soreness on Monday afternoon.

McCarthy, who was selected by the Vikings with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, underwent surgery early Wednesday morning. The procedure revealed a need for a repair, which will unfortunately end his 2024 campaign.

With McCarthy sidelined, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to take over starting duties when the regular season begins on September 8th, as the Vikings face off against the New York Giants on the road.

O'Connell had not yet officially named a starting quarterback for the regular season; however, McCarthy had shown promising signs during his time with the team. The organization and fans will have to wait another year to witness the college football national champion QB bring his skills to the professional level.

Despite the setback, O'Connell remains optimistic about McCarthy's future and believes that he will come back stronger than ever. He emphasized that similar injuries have not hindered other quarterbacks in their careers and expects McCarthy to follow suit.

The injury comes as a blow not only to McCarthy but also to the Vikings organization and fan base. The team has been dealing with multiple challenges recently, including the tragic loss of Khyree Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon's ACL injury.

O'Connell expressed disappointment and concern for McCarthy, acknowledging that the young quarterback had been showing significant potential during their preseason match against the Raiders. He also expressed frustration over the series of unfortunate events that have impacted the team.

Despite these challenges, O'Connell remains confident in the resilience of the 2024 team and believes that the culture and roster are equipped to handle adversity.

The injury to McCarthy adds another layer of complexity to the Vikings' transition season. The team had already planned to shift from aging veterans to younger players, absorbing approximately $60 million in dead cap money, according to Over The Cap. With Darnold taking over as the starting quarterback, the pressure on him increases significantly.

Additionally, co-owner Mark Wilf recently stated that extension discussions with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell would not take place until after the 2024 season. Given McCarthy's absence, it remains uncertain how ownership will evaluate their performance without seeing him in action.

The Vikings currently hold only three draft picks for next year, including a first-round pick and two fifth-round selections. A down year could potentially impact the team's ability to add depth and talent to their roster through the draft.

Despite these challenges, the Minnesota Vikings remain hopeful that their young franchise quarterback will make a full recovery and return stronger than ever in 2025.