Why is J.J. McCarthy not practicing tonight? Vikings HC announces decision on rookie QB

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not be taking part in Monday night's open training camp session because of knee soreness.

O'Connell informed reporters before practice that the rookie was expected to receive an abundance of work during Monday's practice. However, due to knee soreness, he will be held away, depriving spectators of the opportunity to witness the intriguing young player up close.

Fans are welcome to attend the Vikings' practice, which includes activities like autograph sessions, DJs, music and fireworks. The open practice that was initially planned for Aug. 4 was postponed until Monday night due to inclement weather.

McCarthy played a key role in the Vikings' opening preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, a 24-23 win. He hit 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Additionally, he had two carries.

It's now unclear if the former Michigan quarterback will be available for the Week 2 preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. However, O’Connell is expected to give further updates on McCarthy before joint practices with the Browns on Wednesday.

After Kirk Cousins signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings chose McCarthy with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They expect McCarthy to be their franchise quarterback.

Will J.J. McCarthy be the starter for the Vikings this season?

As Week 1 of the regular season draws near, J.J. McCarthy and veteran Sam Darnold are competing for the Vikings’ QB1 role. It appears like Darnold is still the front-runner to be the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season.

McCarthy helped the Michigan Wolverines accomplish a 15-0, national championship season in 2023. He recorded just four interceptions while amassing 2,991 yards of passing and 22 touchdowns.

However, unlike several of his other first-round rookie quarterbacks, McCarthy is not expected to open the 2024 season as a lock at QB. The Vikings seem content to let him continue to mature and gain knowledge of their style of play.

Sam Darnold was selected third in the 2018 NFL draft by the New York Jets. Although the quarterback hasn't yet lived up to the expectations that came with his draft position, the Vikings still think he has time to realize everything he can be because he has shown promise in the NFL.

The 27-year-old QB moved to the Carolina Panthers for the 2021 and 2022 seasons after he had struggled with the Jets during his first three NFL seasons. He was the San Francisco 49ers' backup in 2023, behind Brock Purdy.