Vikings receive key news on QB J.J. McCarthy’s injury status and availability for 2025 season

It’s official, the Minnesota Vikings have their QB back. After missing his whole rookie season due to a tear meniscus, J.J. McCarthy has been fully cleared for the 2025 NFL season.

McCarthy himself broke the news to reporters this Thursday. He had a physical test on Monday, June 2. The QB went on to add that his knee “feels honestly stronger than ever.”

Now, the Vikings can focus on repeating their success last season. This time, with McCarthy under center, which means he becomes the present and the future of the team.

McCarthy will have a stacked offense to work with

Having McCarthy is one thing, but giving him the chance to succeed is key. The Vikings have a very skilled roster on offense that will make McCarthy’s life easier.

Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan

Justin Jefferson is their best receiver and being one of the best talents in the league, McCarthy will be ecstatic to throw his passes to him. But Jefferson is not the only weapon, as WR2 Jordan Addison is coming off a great season where he racked up 875 yards and 9 TDs, posting a career-high 58.3 yards per game.

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At tight end, T.J. Hockenson is one of the best in the NFL. Hockenson excels at having safe hands and stacking yards after catch. Also, McCarthy will love having RB Aaron Jones, who is one of the best pass-catchers at the running back position. He will serve as an elite checkdown option.

Who is J.J. McCarthy facing?

The Vikings schedule is one to watch. At first, McCarthy will have to adjust to the NFL speed. In Week 1, Minnesota will face divisional rivals Bears at Chicago. It’s McCarthy vs. Caleb Williams, a popcorn-grabbing affair.

Next up, the Vikings have two home games vs. the Falcons and Bengals. Then, they go on tour as they face the Steelers in Dublin and the Browns in London. This means McCarthy will face young faces, veteran QBs, European time zones and Joe Burrow.

After Week 6, which is their Bye Week, Minnesota will host the Super Bowl champions Eagles. Two road games will follow as they go to L.A. to face the Chargers and then to 8-mile as they visit NFC North foes Lions.

Back in Minnesota, they host Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and the Bears. Two more away games come in weeks 12 and 13 against the Packers and Seahawks. They host the Commanders in Week 14 before facing NFC East teams on the road in Cowboys and Giants. The U.S. Bank Stadium will open its doors vs. the Lions in Christmas and Week 18 will have them close the regular season at home vs. Packers.