J.J. McCarthy will be the New York Giants' starting quarterback for Week 7 against the Houston Texans, coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday, a move that follows McCarthy's late-game insertion and a decision to bench Jameis Winston.
One-quarter audition seals the job
McCarthy entered Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter after Jameis Winston threw his second interception of the game. In roughly one quarter of work, McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, threw a touchdown and an interception, and engineered three scoring drives that brought the Giants to the brink of a comeback in a 34-27 defeat.
Those numbers included the second-most passing yards in a fourth quarter by a quarterback who didn't start over the past 25 years, a showing that Harbaugh and the coaching staff concluded was enough to hand McCarthy the starting role for the next game.
McCarthy reacted to the decision by saying he was "honored but not surprised," adding, "Experience does wonders." He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the promotion and the immediate task of facing the Texans on Sunday.
Bench move, roster background and trade details
The benching of Winston came 23 days after the Giants acquired McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by Minnesota out of the University of Michigan; New York sent a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Vikings in the Sept. 28 deal that brought him to the Giants.
McCarthy will be the third different starter for the Giants this season, following Jaxson Dart and Winston. Winston had started the previous four games, going 2-1-1, before being replaced late in Week 6 and then informed he would not start Week 7.
The decision to elevate McCarthy is rooted in his immediate impact when given the opportunity: he rallied the offense from a large deficit, moved the team into the red zone and nearly completed a comeback that fell just short in the final seconds. Harbaugh said earlier in the week the staff was "working through" the decision and weighing their options, but after McCarthy's performance the team made the change official.
The Giants now turn to McCarthy to start against the Texans on Sunday. The move represents a quick succession of quarterback changes for New York after the club added McCarthy via trade this month and reflects the coaching staff's willingness to adjust its plan based on in-game production.
