Minnesota The Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues to recover from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson on Thursday, McCarthy is “doing well” in his rehab.

The 2024 first-round pick underwent his first surgery in August after straining his right knee during the draft. McCarthy showed his promise by opposing the Las Vegas Raiderscompleted 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

A second operation followed in November due to swelling. However, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell maintained that the quarterback’s recovery time has not changed. The recovery time for McCarthy’s meniscus repair takes six to eight months.

Wolfson’s latest report suggests a way to measure McCarthy’s return;

“Is he the first day of OTAs? Or does he have an official June minicamp, which is probably aggressive because of the injury, the first injury, the first surgery,” Wolfson said.

Meanwhile, Sam DarnoldAn impressive season has taken its toll on the Vikings’ quarterback. The veteran signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.

JJ McCarthy trade rumors are swirling as the Giants show interest

The uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota has fueled trade talks. ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes so New York Giants they could give their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft to McCarthy’s.

“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He has a year, he’s coming off an injury. But he’s a kid, if you look at his grades last year compared to the grades this year for quarterbacks, he could have been the first guy,” Kiper said on “Radio Without Sports” Wednesday.

The interest the Giants may have stems from what McCarthy has already seen. The group held a private meeting last Easter Sunday before choosing a receiver Malik Nabers and the sixth pick in the 2024 draft.

McCarthy college information helps in marketing. He led Michigan to the national championship in 2023, posting 2,991 passing yards and a 22-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His completion rate of 72.3% and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that several NFL teams could pursue McCarthy, given the limited talent in the upcoming games. The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as another contender, with Colin Cowherd showing that they could field multiple picks for the young quarterback.

The Vikings’ decision probably depends on Darnold’s performance in the playoffs. A long-term deep run could solidify Darnold’s status as a franchise quarterback, which would make McCarthy available via trade. In the meantime, JJ McCarthy is focused on his rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full strength in the 2025 season.