The good news is rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still on the original recovery timeline. The bad news is McCarthy recently experienced swelling in his right knee that caused the Vikings to proactively take some action.

A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press that McCarthy underwent a minor procedure and a biologic injection this week to assist in the healing process. He remains around his teammates at TCO Performance Center and is still on track to return next season.

Asked whether he had any concerns about McCarthy moving forward, head coach Kevin O’Connell replied, “No I do not.” In that same breath, O’Connell lauded McCarthy for the way he has attacked his rehab since having surgery to repair a torn meniscus, adding that the swelling came as a result of an increase in his workload.

“Just wanted to make sure that there was no cause for concern,” O’Connell said. “All reports were very positive.”

That’s good news for the Vikings, considering McCarthy has been viewed as the future face of the franchise since being selected with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After showing massive improvement with the Vikings between the spring and summer, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus Aug. 10 during an exhibition game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had surgery Aug. 14 and in the immediate aftermath the Vikings announced he would miss the remainder of this season.

Though he hasn’t been able to practice in any capacity while on injured reserve, McCarthy has remained an active participant in team meetings, taking pride in learning as much as he can even if he can’t be on the field.

“There’s been some real growth for him,” O’Connell said. “I feel really good about where he’s at.”

Darnold has hand injury

After throwing an interception last weekend, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold appeared to suffer a hand injury while attempting to make a tackle. He was shown on the broadcast flexing it, and while he managed to play the rest of the game without missing a snap, it was clearly bothering him.

Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that Darnold was listed as a limited participant on the injury report.

It was almost certainly precautionary for Darnold especially considering the Vikings conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday afternoon at TCO Performance Center rather than a practice. He talked to reporters afterward and pushed the narrative forward with the Vikings set to play the Tennessee Titans this weekend.

Robinson has foot injury

After finishing the game without any issues last weekend, left tackle Cam Robinson was a surprise addition to the injury report.

He was listed as a limited participant with a foot injury, so it’s worth keeping an eye on his status.

Asked about Robinson, O’Connell said he expects him to be able to work back to full strength before the Vikings take the field this weekend.

Briefly

In addition to Darnold and Robinson being listed as limited participants, the Vikings gave the same designation for running back Aaron Jones (ribs), tight end Josh Oliver (wrist) and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (hip).