There is pressure to see the kid from the fanbase. If you were to go 0-3 against the 49ers, Texans and Packers, there would be tremendous pressure to substitute McCarthy in regardless of if Darnold looks good or not.
Not to mention that KOC and Kwesi’s future with the Vikings organization are almost assuredly tied to McCarthy and how he does.
Pressure from the fanbases, sure... but this is KOC's show, and he has said this isn't about this year. He said this is about developing a young QB right and that the team was going to take it slow with him from day one.
EVERYTHING coming out of OTAs and training camp backed it up. Hell, the team's first depth chart after a week of camp had JJ not even clearly ahead of Nick Mullens, despite the fact that everyone knew he was ahead of Mullens.
The reason I said zero chance at starting week 1, was because I believe KOC has JJ's developmental interest as his #1 priority above all else, including this season's team results, and has KAM's backing 100% from the front office. They're more intent on doing it right for the future than anything else.
I believe his recovery is even being exaggerated to keep the fan noise off the subject, as even the longest recovery outlooks for this injury... which has occurred nearly a month before the season, would have him available come December. The team isn't worried about getting him in real games this year. KFAN was also speculating on this very thing on the PA show this morning just a bit before noon.
They may be looking at it as a blessing in disguise to keep your said fan pressure completely shut down.