Report: Update for Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy on recovery timeline

by:Austin Brezina•05/18/22•

AustinBrezina59

According to a Wednesday report, Michigan sophomore quarterback JJ McCarthy has a timeline set for returning to the playing field this year. McCarthy has been recovering from lingering shoulder soreness that caused Michigan to shut him down from throwing at the end of last season. Now, McCarthy’s progress indicates that he could be fully over the injury and ready to compete for the starting quarterback role with Cade McNamara.

JJ McCarthy set to compete for Michigan starting job

“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, JJ McCarthy continues to progress well in his recovery from a shoulder injury,” stated 247Sports’ Alejandro Zuniga. “He’s throwing the ball regularly and is still pain free. All good signs as he’ll battle for the starting QB role in fall camp.”

The return of McCarthy to full strength should be a huge boon to Michigan’s offense as it makes for a tough and healthy competition for their starting job. As a true freshman in 2021, McCarthy threw for 516 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions — adding another 124 yards and two touchdowns rushing. His performance last year gave many hope that he would be competing with McNamara for the starting job.

Unfortunately, between his injury and the talent shown by redshirt freshman Davis Warren, McCarthy is not a guarantee to take over the program. Coach Jim Harbaugh has stated though that the Michigan quarterback job is “for lease” and has indicated that it’s an open competition heading into their fall camp.

“It’s what they do in the summer, how they handle their business, how much improvement they make with understanding the playbook, dialing in with their throwing,” the Michigan coach said. “Because in the summer they’re going to be doing it on their own a lot — four, five times a week. They’re grabbing receivers and honing and sharpening their craft.”

At the moment, reports indicate that McCarthy will be ready for that competition and should be able to give Michigan a reliable second quarterback this season.