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12h ago

Giants List J.J. McCarthy as QB2 While Keeping Jameis Winston as Starter

Fast-tracking McCarthy into the Giants’ playbook tests his long-term fit alongside a three-quarterback active roster.

Image
Oct 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) on the sideline before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy, right, talks with Jake Haener during a practice at the team's NFL football facilities in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows J.J. McCarthy throws a pass before the Giants' Week 4 win over the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium

Overview

  • The Giants moved J.J. McCarthy to the No. 2 spot on their Week 5 depth chart ahead of Sunday’s game, making him the primary backup to starter Jameis Winston.
  • The team signed Jake Haener to the 53-man roster this week so the Giants can carry three active quarterbacks (Winston, McCarthy, Haener) for game-day flexibility.
  • Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy praised McCarthy’s grasp of the offense as an “A+,” saying coaches have rapidly installed a limited package of plays tailored to his strengths.
  • McCarthy has not yet taken a regular-season snap for New York; coaches say they are evaluating his readiness while preserving Winston’s role as the team’s trusted on-field leader.
  • The Giants acquired McCarthy from Minnesota for a 2027 fifth-round pick as a low-cost developmental hedge and will use practice reps and game packages to judge whether he can be the franchise option long term.