California’s Thousand Oaks — Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay stated he doesn’t see wide out Puka Nacua “being affected in terms of even that prep” for the team’s season opener against the Detroit Lions, despite the fact the wide receiver is questionable due to a knee injury.
During the Rams’ joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, McVay claimed that Nacua “got his knee banged up” on a touchdown catch and “felt it” later in the session when running a route.
“Really just had a little bit of a bursa sac, kind of burst it,” McVay explained. “And our relationship with him will only last week to week. Nothing structural, nothing major. There is no threat to Detroit; he will be well, recuperate, and we will be prepared to travel.”
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NFL Newcomer Impact Index: Calculating the potential gains from 50 signings, trade acquisitions, and draft selections 14dMike Clay Nacua recently completed an NFL record-breaking rookie season in which he established the rookie record for reception yards (1,486) and catches (105).
Nacua’s injury is the Rams’ most recent setback during training camp. With right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder), and left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle) all listed as week-to-week players, the team is missing three-fifths of its starting offensive line.
In addition, cornerback Darious Williams is sidelined by a hamstring issue for the Rams, and cornerback Derion Kendrick was lost for the season with an ACL tear.
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For the Vikings, what does J.J. McCarthy’s knee injury mean?
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The complexities surrounding rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy of the Vikings’ injured meniscus are examined by Stephania Bell. (1:06)
NFL Reporters on ESPN
At 03:07 PM ET on August 13, 2024
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J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, suffered an injury on Saturday that could end up keeping him out of action for the entirety of his rookie season. This is disappointing news for all of us who were excited about his preseason debut and the team’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, 24–23.
McCarthy’s right knee has a torn meniscus; following surgery this week, physicians will determine how best to treat it, according to coach Kevin O’Connell. His recuperation schedule and whether or not he plays a role in the Vikings’ 2024 campaign will depend on that choice.
Sam Darnold will keep honing the team’s top offense in the meantime in preparation for leading the Vikings against the New York Giants in Week 1.
The effects of McCarthy’s injury are examined by national reporter Jeremy Fowler, draft analyst Jordan Reid, and ESPN Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert.
Would McCarthy be hurried back by the Vikings?
With the No. 10 overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy; however, a knee injury could ruin his rookie campaign. Sportswire via Bailey Hillesheim/Icon
That seems doubtful, especially considering that Darnold entered training camp as the team’s top quarterback.
However, O’Connell stated on Tuesday that he will not participate in the choice of McCarthy’s last surgical procedure and that “certainly what’s best for J.J. McCarthy’s long-term health will be the priority.”
McCarthy’s improvement and the team’s ability to determine whether or not to start him in 2025 will both benefit from getting him on the field before the end of the season. However, the information is not more significant than McCarthy’s knee becoming better completely. — Seifert
What effect will the injury have on McCarthy’s progression as a passer?
McCarthy’s recuperation timetable is unknown, but losing a substantial amount of time would hurt his progress on the field. Due to his lack of passing experience, McCarthy’s status as a prospect was a major question mark entering the draft. With only 25 or more passing attempts in 12 of his 28 career starts for the Wolverines, he wasn’t asked to carry the weight at Michigan, so he needs all the live throws and snaps he can get.
McCarthy, who was selected No. 10 overall because of his accuracy and upside, can watch and study behind Darnold to get mental reps, but he won’t be able to recreate the on-field experience while trying to understand and implement O’Connell’s plan. — Reid
Is it possible for the Vikings to bring in another quarterback?
Minnesota doesn’t urgently need to add a quarterback. Although Darnold (63 career touchdown passes, 56 interceptions, 21-35 career record) is firmly established as the starter, the organization has faith in Nick Mullens to do well when playing in the slot. Over the course of his six-year career with the 49ers, Browns, and Vikings, 29-year-old Mullens has 20 career starts. Additionally, Minnesota hasn’t given up on Jaren Hall, a fifth-round selection from the previous year who made two starts in 2023.
There aren’t many options available in the free agent market, other from Ryan Tannehill. Although it wouldn’t be shocking if the Vikings looked into other options, they have enough quality to get by without McCarthy. — Fowler
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