Vikings Face QB Dilemma Amid J.J. McCarthy's Injury and Sam Darnold's Performance

Minnesota's rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy undergoes a second knee surgery, while Sam Darnold leads the team to a 7-2 start, complicating future plans.

J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' rookie quarterback, recently had a second surgery on his knee to address swelling, but his recovery timeline remains unchanged, aiming for a 2025 return.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell has praised McCarthy's progress in rehab, maintaining confidence in his potential as the team's future franchise quarterback.
Sam Darnold, currently leading the Vikings with a 7-2 record, has shown significant improvement, creating uncertainty about the starting QB position for next season.
Insiders are divided on whether Darnold will remain with the Vikings beyond this season, with potential interest from other NFL teams if he enters free agency.
The Vikings must balance Darnold's current success with McCarthy's long-term development, as McCarthy continues to learn from the sidelines during his recovery.