“I thought it was a bruise. I thought at most it could’ve been a strain somewhere. But when they told me it’s a pretty serious tear, yeah, I was taken away by that.” After the preseason game in August, doctors surprised JJ McCarthy by informing him of his season-ending injury. Following surgery on his torn right meniscus, the Minnesota Vikings rookie was ruled out for the 2024 season. However, speculation arose about a potential midseason comeback, depending on his recovery. But he didn’t. However, now the doctors have released a new report.

According to PT, DPT Jeff Mueller on X, “The second “procedure” was likely blown out of proportion and there continues to be indicators that JJ McCarthy is/will be ready to go once the team starts practicing after the NFL draft.” Yes! McCarthy, whom Minnesota selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round in the 2024 draft, might return to the gridiron soon.

But his recovery process wasn’t the only reason for these statements. The team also released pictures of JJ McCarthy working out in Illinois, where the QB appeared in good spirits during a private session. Additionally, the Vikings’ rookie reportedly stated that he is ahead of schedule and ready to go.

This means that McCarthy will surely be back in the 2025 season. On the other hand, the Vikings‘ other quarterback Sam Darnold, who led the team to the wildcard round, will hit the free agency market this offseason. Despite hitting career-best QBR of 60.4 and 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns, there’s no extension news on Darnold’s contract so far. It seems like the Vikes are likely to move forward with McCarthy as their QB1.

Now, we’ll see how JJ McCarthy performs in the upcoming NFL season. Until then, he is making good connections with his teammates, especially Justin Jefferson.

Is JJ McCarthy the new hope for Justin Jefferson and Minnesota?

McCarthy’s eagerness to learn and develop fascinates Vikings’ star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. During an interview with Jonathan Adams on Saturday, Jefferson expressed, “He’s [McCarthy] a sponge, for sure. You know, he’s a guy that wants to learn. He’s a guy that wants to be a top-tier quarterback in this league. Every single day we’re chopping it up. We’re talking, not only about football, but just in life in general.” He certainly has high hopes for the rookie.

Jefferson added, “Having that connection with him before he even steps on the field in space, something that’s special. I’m excited to see what he does.” It’s pretty cool to see teammate Jefferson supporting the young quarterback. It’s even cooler to witness JJ McCarthy bonding with his team, despite his last season being cut short by an ACL tear.

Now, we’ll see how far the QB goes this season. Will he be able to replace Sam Darnold successfully, especially after their playoff season? Let’s wait for that as JJ McCarthy still has plenty of time left in his next game schedule.