Tue Apr 22 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Vikings’ McCarthy Ready to Roll After Knee Injury, Team Weighs QB Options

**EAGAN, Minn.** – Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team’s No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is fully cleared and ready for the offseason program, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus but has spent the last three months diligently rehabbing at the team facility.

“I think he’s ready to hit the ground running as of today,” O’Connell stated.

While the Vikings haven’t officially named McCarthy their starter for the 2025 season, the departure of Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens leaves him and Brett Rypien as the only quarterbacks currently on the roster. The team’s decision to hold off on signing a veteran quarterback, including previously considered Aaron Rodgers, is partly attributed to allowing McCarthy time to recover and develop.

O’Connell confirmed the team is actively pursuing one or more quarterbacks through free agency, trades, or the upcoming draft. The timing is impacted by the NFL’s post-draft free agency deadline and its effect on compensatory draft picks, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah clarified that this isn’t the sole factor. Potential free agent targets include Carson Wentz, while Kirk Cousins (Atlanta), Sam Howell (Seattle), and Aidan O’Connell (Las Vegas) are among those potentially available via trade.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, teammates express confidence in McCarthy’s abilities. Running back Aaron Jones commented, “He looks great… He looks good in the weight room, looks good, confident. I’m very confident in him.” The team’s support for McCarthy suggests he’s the frontrunner for the starting role in 2025.

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