Packers path to winning NFC North got even easier after latest J.J. McCarthy update

I won't lie, things in the NFC North were looking a little hairy for the Packers this year. The Lions are a problem, and those two divisional games will almost certainly make-or-break the division title. The Bears look [sigh] kind of scary now with Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen actually forming a competent passing offense. Even the Vikings – as well-coached a team as any in the league – seemed like they were on the up-and-up.

There was legitimately not a bad team in the division, which I'm told is something to be proud of but really just seems like a pain in the ass.

Fortunately, the Packers may have caught their first small break of the season: Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy, the heir to Kirk Cousins' throne, will miss a bunch of time after undergoing knee surgery.

JJ McCarthy's knee injury helps the Packers' division title chances

This is where it gets a little confusing. According to Adam Schefter, McCarthy and the Vikings will only know how severe his knee injury is once they're actually on the table operating. That's not stressful at all! If the meniscus tear only needs to be trimmed, McCarthy could still return within the next couple months. If they need to fully repair it, he'd obviously be out for the entire season.

Either way, McCarthy's going to miss the Packers' home game against Minnesota in late September. Especially for a division that's been won in the final weeks of the season more than a couple times over the last few years, that's a pretty significant development. Maybe Sam Darnold has truly figured it out on team #4, but my guess is that the Packers will happily take those chances.

Either way, Green Bay's path back to the top of the NFC North got a shade easier this week. Hopefully all goes well with McCarthy's knee surgery and he's back playing sooner than later – although if he wanted to play it safe until after September 29th, no complaints here.

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