Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy felt soreness in his right knee and missed practice on Monday night for additional checks.
Coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned that the team doesn’t think McCarthy has any serious issues, but they’re not sure if he will travel for joint practices with Cleveland on Wednesday and Thursday or the preseason game against the Browns on Saturday.
“We want to be cautious at this point,” O’Connell said.
McCarthy was expected to get more opportunities with the first-team offense this week. So far, Sam Darnold has been the starting quarterback.
McCarthy, the 10th pick in the draft from Michigan, had a solid preseason debut against Las Vegas with 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 11-for-17 passing.
The Vikings also had free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore visit on Monday as they continue to look for improvements in their secondary.
Gilmore, a former AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 with New England and a five-time Pro Bowl player, has played with four teams in the last four years. The 33-year-old was a free agent after his time with Dallas in 2023.
“We’re proud of our locker room and the environment here,” O’Connell said. “It’s a good way for potential new players to see what they might be joining.”
