Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to undergo surgery for torn meniscus in right knee

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee after complaining of soreness this past weekend, the team announced on Tuesday.

The Vikings will not know until McCarthy undergoes surgery whether the meniscus will need to be trimmed or completely repaired. Both routes would require different recovery periods.

McCarthy missed Monday night's practice after reporting right knee soreness to team medical personnel. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the rookie would undergo further testing.

An extended absence for McCarthy will result in Sam Darnold cementing his place as the team's starting quarterback and the one who will be under center for their Week 1 game against the New York Giants.

McCarthy was expected to get more reps with the first-team offense in practice this week after playing well in Minnesota's preseason opener versus the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns and ran twice for 18 yards. McCarthy was scheduled to play 30 snaps and was pulled from the game after he reached that number.

After Darnold and McCarthy, the Vikings also have quarterbacks Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall in training camp.