Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy sustained an unspecified injury during Saturday's 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, cutting short his latest opportunity to impress.
MCCarthy, who was recently named the team's backup quarterback behind veteran Kyler Murray, started the game and played through the first quarter. He completed 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards before being replaced by Carson Wentz. Head coach Kevin O'Connell described McCarthy as "banged up" but indicated he seemed "fine," though no specific details about the injury were provided.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has a history of injuries. He missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus. Last year, his playing time was limited by a high ankle sprain and a hairline fracture. In his first season of NFL play, McCarthy completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Kyler Murray was named the Vikings' starting quarterback earlier this month. Murray is on a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Minnesota, though he is guaranteed nearly $37 million from his previous team, the Arizona Cardinals, this season.
