J.J. McCarthy’s slow start as the Minnesota Vikings’ franchise quarterback was easy to see coming.
His season-ending meniscus injury in 2024 hurt his trajectory in more ways than one. Stashed on injured reserve for the majority of his rookie season, McCarthy was prohibited from participating in any organized team activity until this year’s spring OTAs.
That’s left Minnesota’s No. 10 overall draft pick in catch-up mode in terms of live NFL reps, and he clearly remains a work in progress with the Vikings now 2-4 with 11 total giveaways and just 16 points per game over his six starts this season.