Latest news on Vikings QB rehab status after knee surgery

Minnesota vikings Rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues his road to recovery from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North's Darren Wolfson on Thursday, McCarthy is “doing well” in his rehab process.

The 2024 first-round draft pick underwent his initial surgery in August after experiencing right knee discomfort during the preseason. McCarthy had shown promise in his debut against the Las Vegas Raiderscompleting 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

A second surgery followed in November due to swelling problems. However, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell maintained that the quarterback's recovery time remained unchanged. The typical recovery period for McCarthy's meniscus repair is six to eight months.

Wolfson's latest report suggests a measured approach to McCarthy's return;

“Is it a first day of OTAs? Or is it a mandatory June minicamp, probably a little aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury, the initial surgery,” Wolfson noted.

Meanwhile, Sam DarnoldThe spectacular season has complicated the Vikings' quarterback situation. The veteran signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.

JJ McCarthy trade rumors intensify as Giants show interest

The uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy's future in Minnesota has sparked trade discussions. ESPN's Mel Kiper thinks so New York Giants could offer their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for McCarthy's services.

“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He's had a year, he's coming off the injury. But he's a kid, if you look at his grades from last year compared to his grades this year of the quarterbacks, he would be the No. 1 guy,” Kiper said on “Radio Antisportiva” on Wednesday.

The Giants' potential interest stems from their prior evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted him for a private meeting last Easter Sunday before finally selecting the receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.

McCarthy's college credentials support the business boom. He guided Michigan to a national championship in 2023, with 2,991 passing yards with a 22-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 72.3 percent completion rate and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that several NFL teams could pursue McCarthy given the limited quarterback talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they could package multiple draft picks for the young quarterback.

The Vikings' decision likely depends on Darnold's performance in the playoffs. A deep postseason run could solidify Darnold's position as the franchise quarterback, making McCarthy available via trade. For now, JJ McCarthy is focusing on his rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full strength for the 2025 season.