The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback scenario has taken an intriguing flip as J.J. McCarthy works his manner again from damage.
In the course of the Vikings’ 31-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions on January 5, NBC’s broadcast supplied followers a glimpse of their future quarterback on the sidelines.
McCarthy, who missed his whole rookie season on account of a torn meniscus in his proper knee, caught viewers’ consideration together with his noticeably leaner physique, sporting only a T-shirt and shorts.
The burden loss didn’t come as a shock to these following his restoration.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that McCarthy, who started coaching camp at 219 kilos, shed greater than 20 kilos this fall.
Such weight fluctuation is typical for gamers who cut back their energy coaching throughout rehabilitation, and McCarthy ought to have ample time to rebuild his body earlier than spring OTA practices start.
“Vikings QB JJ McCarthy misplaced 20 kilos throughout his rehab course of from his torn meniscus, per @SeifertESPN. McCarthy was following a sample acquainted for a lot of gamers who put energy exercises on maintain in the course of the rehabilitation course of.” VikingzFanPage shared.
#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy misplaced 20 kilos throughout his rehab course of from his torn meniscus, per @SeifertESPN. McCarthy was following a sample acquainted for a lot of gamers who put energy exercises on maintain in the course of the rehabilitation course of.
McCarthy was listed at 219 kilos throughout… pic.twitter.com/0fmJPRa8DL
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 26, 2025
His modified look appeared to reflect the measured strategy taken by Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell when discussing his future final week.
Whereas nationwide media focuses closely on the Vikings’ quarterback scenario—significantly Sam Darnold’s pending free company—the group’s main concern lies in assessing McCarthy’s growth potential.
Predicting McCarthy’s trajectory presents a novel problem.
He holds a particular place in NFL historical past as the primary quarterback chosen within the first spherical in the course of the trendy draft period (since 1967) to overlook his whole rookie season on account of damage.
The Vikings now face a urgent timeline with simply 40 days to make essential selections.
March 4th marks the franchise tag deadline, and with out motion, Darnold may discover different alternatives when the negotiating window opens on March tenth.