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Report: J.J. McCarthy has second knee surgery during rookie season with Vikings

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Former Michigan football star and national champion, J.J. McCarthy, has had a tough start to his rookie season. The 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a meniscus injury during a preseason game with the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the year which sidelined him for the entire season. McCarthy was poised to take over the starting job at some point in the 2024 season but instead, Sam Darnold has helped lead Minnesota to a 7-2 start.

On Wednesday, it was revealed McCarthy had just had his second surgery on the knee after swelling occurred once McCarthy began to rehab the injury. As part of the procedure, the former Wolverine was given a biologic injection.

But head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't seem concerned when speaking with the media that this would hinder McCarthy's timeframe. The Vikings wanted to make sure there was no cause for concern but McCarthy is in good shape on his return to action.

While the Vikings are 7-2, Darnold has made some terrible mistakes during that time. This past game, against the Jaguars, he threw three interceptions and the Minnesota offense didn't score a touchdown. The Vikings selected McCarthy for a reason and the hope is that he's ready to take over the starting job in '25.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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