J.J. McCarthy and the 67-Day Countdown

NFL: Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was drafted with the tenth overall pick of the 2024 draft to become Minnesota’s long-term option at the vital quarterback position. His first year was lost because of a season-ending knee surgery performed in August, but he will be back soon.

J.J. McCarthy and the 67-Day Countdown

j.j. mccarthy
Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

It was quite a devastating blow when promising rookie passer McCarthy sustained his meniscus tear that robbed him of his debut season. Sam Darnold, who he planned to rival for the starting gig, steered the ship for the entire year and executed quite well, earning his first Pro Bowl nomination.

Later in the season, the wheels fell off, and he crumbled under the pressure of the bright lights. The result was a disappointing loss in Week 18 with the division on the line and another gut punch in the playoff just a week later, reminding folks why the Vikings drafted McCarthy in the first place.

Ahead of the Super Bowl, McCarthy ‒ like many other players ‒ went on a small media tour. On Tuesday, he appeared on a couple of shows, one on the Rich Eisen Show and the other with Sports Illustrated.

On the latter show, he was asked about his recovery.

“It’s going amazing; ahead of schedule, on track, whatever you want to call it, but it’s going good, and we’ll be ready in around 67 days for OTAs, and we’re running, throwing, everything feels great.”

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. (11) touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The dates for the OTAs (Organized Team Activities) have not been announced, but McCarthy seems to be counting down the days.

There was some fear that the knee injury would cost him not only his whole rookie season but also the following offseason. Those concerns can safely be put aside now. The man expects to participate in OTAs and has two more months to go. Training camp is still more than five months away.

Rich Eisen, of course, also asked him about his recovery. “I’m feeling fantastic, Rich, couldn’t be in a better spot honestly, mentally, physically, spiritually, and we’re just continuing to stack days at this point and, you know, with around 67 days till OTAs, we got a lot of time but not a lot of time to waste.”

Asked if it’s fair to say he is ahead of schedule, McCarthy responded, “That’s very fair.”

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

McCarthy’s recovery is a significant element in the upcoming quarterback decision the Vikings have to make. Darnold played exceptionally well last season, producing 35 passing touchdowns and over 4,300 passing yards. He showcased his arm talent and his knack for big plays, which is essential in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

His one-year contract is set to expire, and the Vikings are the first domino to fall in the Darnold sweepstakes. Letting a productive quarterback walk for the second consecutive season is risky, but this time, the successor is already in the building and it is a talented 22-year-old who showed flashes in last year’s training camp and the one preseason game.

The fact that McCarthy’s recovery is going smoothly makes the decision to hand him the keys and pair him with a different veteran passer instead of keeping the expensive Darnold much easier.

During training camp, O’Connell said after informing folks about McCarthy’s injury: “As our fans either have already come to find out or will in the future, this guy is so motivated and so dialed in. As excited as I was to draft him, he’s confirmed everything that I hoped to see. Our fan base and everyone should be excited about the fact that we’ve got our young franchise quarterback in the building.”

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

McCarthy is back on the field and throwing, which is good news for his development around the throwing motion that requires some tweaks. That work had to be halted following his injury. While his physical growth was paused, he participated in meetings with the other quarterbacks and got a ton of mental work in. That mental aspect is where he will be better prepared than a rookie quarterback.

McCarthy is 22 years old, and he is poised to be the new QB1 for the Vikings when the OTAs begin in 67 days. But who’s counting?


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt