The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 season took a blow when their rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason opener against the Raiders.
McCarthy, who was picked 10th overall in the draft, was supposed to lead the offense this year. But with his torn meniscus, he’s out for the season, so the Vikings are forced to shift gears.
Now, veteran QB Sam Darnold is stepping up to fill McCarthy’s shoes, and the team has also brought in Matt Corral—a quarterback with a rocky but hopeful career path.
- J.J. McCarthy’s injury forces the Vikings to rethink their quarterback plan. Sam Darnold steps in as the new starter, while Matt Corral is added for backup.
- Matt Corral’s journey has had its ups and downs, similar to how legendary QBs overcame challenges early in their careers.
- The Vikings are sticking to their plan for the season, relying on Darnold’s experience and Corral’s resilience to carry them through.
Sam Darnold Takes Over for McCarthy
Sam Darnold, who was originally set to start the season before handing the reins to McCarthy, now finds himself as the team’s starting quarterback for the entire year.
It’s clear that the Vikings are counting on Darnold, who has been through his share of ups and downs in the NFL.
With experience from his time with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold brings a wealth of experience to the team that the Vikings need to navigate this unexpected challenge.
In addition, Veteran linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel expressed his confidence in Darnold’s ability to lead the Vikings’ offense.
He said, “He’s got a lot more playmakers now than he did with the Jets. You can tell he’s a vet. He’s been in this league for a while. He understands who he is, how he can manipulate defenses or get the ball to his playmakers in space.”
Despite the disappointment surrounding McCarthy’s injury, the team believes Darnold can successfully guide them through the season.
Matt Corral’s Unexpected Opportunity
In a surprising move, the Vikings signed Matt Corral to add depth to their quarterback lineup. Corral’s career has been a rollercoaster, not unlike some NFL legends who had to fight their way up.
Recently, Corral led the Birmingham Stallions to their third consecutive UFL title, which proves he can perform when it counts.
Corral’s resolve has been evident since his college days at Ole Miss, where he set multiple records before a leg injury cut his final season short.
Even with a strong collegiate performance, Corral wasn’t drafted until the third round by the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Unfortunately, his rookie NFL season ended prematurely due to another injury, leading to a brief hiatus from football before joining the UFL.
However, his perseverance has now led him to an opportunity with the Vikings, where he will compete for the No. 3 quarterback position.
Stallions coach Skip Holtz praised Corral’s determination, saying, “Matt is a very talented individual, but more than anything, today is an unbelievable lesson in resolve… It would have been real easy for him to hang his head, sulk, pout, and yet, he’s been completely in it and ready for his opportunity.”
Without a doubt, this kind of attitude will be essential for Corral as he tries to make his mark in Minnesota.
What’s Next for the Vikings’ QB Situation?
With McCarthy out, the Vikings’ quarterback room now consists of Sam Darnold as the starter, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and the newly signed Matt Corral.
While the chances of Corral starting a game for the Vikings might be slim, history has shown that unexpected turns can lead to remarkable outcomes—just as it did for Kurt Warner and the 1999 Rams.
Sam Darnold’s one-year contract is worth $4.5 million, which shows the Vikings are cautiously optimistic about his potential. Nonetheless, the contract does include incentives that could bump up his pay if he performs well.
On top of that, this setup gives the Vikings some flexibility while giving Darnold a chance to prove himself as a solid leader.
As the Vikings adjust to this curveball, they’re banking on Darnold’s experience and Corral’s toughness to keep their season on track.
Though McCarthy’s injury is a big blow, the Vikings could still make the most of the season with the right moves.
