J.J. McCarthy

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy will undergo knee surgery.

The team had been cagey with McCarthy’s supposed knee soreness following his outstanding preseason debut against the Raiders. McCarthy will require surgery on a torn meniscus. O’Connell said the severity of the injury is not yet known, and he offered no timeline for the rookie’s return to action. This all but guarantees Sam Darnold will start the regular season under center for Minnesota. Darnold completed four of eight throws for 59 yards in the team’s preseason opener against Vegas.