Overview
- Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that J.J. McCarthy will start for the Giants in Week 7 at Houston, replacing Jameis Winston and moving Winston to the backup role.
- McCarthy earned the job after a late relief stint at New Orleans in which he completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and led the team with 26 rushing yards in the fourth quarter.
- The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28 for a 2027 fifth-round pick, a low-cost trade that gives New York upside while it evaluates a potential long-term option.
- Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said McCarthy's mobility and playmaking resemble injured starter Jaxson Dart, allowing the team to reintroduce quarterback-run, read and play-action packages removed under Winston.
- The Week 7 start is a tough first test: the Giants are about 10.5-point road underdogs against a Texans front that excels at pass rush, and New York's weak run game and protection issues add pressure on a newly installed starter.