J.J. McCarthy's return to the practice field was the spectacle of the Minnesota Vikings ' offseason so far. Fans clamored over social media videos of the 22-year-old seen throwing to his teammates for the first time since his rookie year was shut down due to a meniscus injury.

After missing the entire 2024 NFL season due to a knee injury and losing his rookie year, J.J. McCarthy seems headed towards being the starter for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. Following Sam Darnold's decision to leave town to sign with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year,

J.J. McCarthy would hardly consider his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings a wasted one even though the torn meniscus in his right knee forced him to begin his career with film study and in the training room.