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Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Makes NFL Debut on Monday Night Football vs. Bears

The former top-10 pick starts after a yearlong recovery from a repaired right meniscus that wiped out his rookie season.

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Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell walks to the field against the Tennessee Titan during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • McCarthy starts for Minnesota against Chicago at Soldier Field on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET in his first NFL game.
  • He missed all of 2024 after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during his first preseason game and undergoing surgery on Aug. 14.
  • The Vikings announced a minor follow-up, nonsurgical procedure on Nov. 13 after swelling during rehab, as head coach Kevin O’Connell explained.
  • He was fully cleared for football activities at the start of mandatory minicamp on June 2, made a one-drive preseason appearance on Aug. 9, and entered 2025 as the named starter.
  • Off the field, he is engaged to longtime partner Katya Kuropas and the couple expects a baby boy in September, and he returns to the Chicago area where he starred at Nazareth Academy; he will be the fourth QB to debut on a Week 1 Monday Night Football game, per ESPN.