JJ McCarthy will be on the sideline wearing a headset for the Vikings-Rams

It's been 75 days since JJ McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in the first NFL preseason game of his career. He underwent surgery for a complete meniscus repair 71 days ago. His dog posted the first photo of him after surgery 59 days ago. 52 days ago he crashed his scooter into the wall at Vikings headquarters. Five days ago, McCarthy was seen playing catch on the field before the Vikings played the Lions.

Where is McCarthy today? He is in Los Angeles with the Vikings to face the Rams on Thursday night. He's not playing, of course, but it's his first road trip with the team since suffering a season-ending knee injury in August.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, McCarthy's rehab is “progressing well” and he will be on the sideline with the team, monitoring communications between the coaching staff and starting quarterback Sam Darnold via a headset.

Darnold has made the most of his starting work and is on pace to finish with more than 3,900 pass yards and 34 touchdowns. If he continues like this, he could receive a significant contract offer. Will such an offer come from the Vikings with McCarthy in the starting blocks? That's the big question the Vikings must ask themselves as they monitor Darnold's growth and McCarthy's health and readiness.