J.J. McCarthy
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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is entering his first season as the team's starter in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is prepared as he can be for his first NFL start against the Chicago Bears.
His supporting cast, however, may not be up to its fullest potential.
McCarthy’s wide receiver room was plagued with injury and concerns most of the summer. Justin Jefferson dealt with a hamstring injury that kept him out of training camp. Jalen Nailor underwent hand surgery a few weeks ago, and the receiver whom McCarthy developed the most chemistry with, Jordan Addison, is suspended for the first three games of the season.
Fortunately, Jefferson and Nailor appear ready to play in Monday night’s primetime matchup alongside Adam Thielen — but arguably a bigger concern has yet to be addressed.
Heading into Monday night’s primetime matchup, the Vikings listed starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw as questionable on their final injury report.
Darrisaw is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury from last October — and while he’s been ahead of schedule for his rehab, his status remains uncertain given the time required for a full recovery.
For McCarthy’s career to start on the right foot, it’s ideal for Darrisaw to be protecting his blindside, especially for a road primetime matchup.
Kevin O’Connell Addresses Christian Darrisaw Decision for Bears-Vikings
Brian O'Neill, Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings
GettyBrian O’Neill #75 and Christian Darrisaw #71 of the Minnesota Vikings look on during training camp.
The timeline for an ACL recovery varies depending on the player, but the Vikings have some precedent for a speedy 10-month return, which T.J. Hockenson achieved last season.
Darrisaw has checked many boxes for the Vikings throughout his rehab, and that’s not lost on Kevin O’Connell, who is facing a tough decision entering Monday night’s matchup with the Bears.
“I can’t say enough about the work he’s put in and to have the type of camp he’s had to even have it where Christian and I can make a decision, what’s in Christian’s best interest, but also understanding this guy’s done everything in his power to give himself an opportunity to have that conversation,” O’Connell said on Saturday. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. … Christian Darrisaw is a major foundational player for us been really happy with my dialogue with him this whole time.”
JJ McCarthy’s Debut Will Be Difficult if Darrisaw Can’t Go
If Darrisaw does not play on Monday, McCarthy’s debut is sure to be significantly more difficult without one of the Vikings’ most valuable players.
Darrisaw signed a four-year extension worth up to $113 million in July 2024 as a premier player at his position. Pro Football Focus ranked Darrisaw as the 11th-best tackle in the league out of 140 qualifying tackles with an 81.4 overall grade.
The next man up would be veteran backup Justin Skule, who has started 17 games in his five-year career. Skule played 362 snaps for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and finished with a 69.2 overall grade.
The left side of the Vikings offensive front could be a target for the Bears pass rush as rookie first-rounder Donovan Jackson will be making his first career start at left guard.
For what it’s worth, the betting market hasn’t seemed to shift with Darrisaw’s questionable designation. The Vikings have been favored by 1.5 points for most of the week at most major sportsbooks, and the line has not moved as of Saturday night.