Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing ESPN, reported Wednesday that the New York Giants plan to start J.J. McCarthy at quarterback on Sunday in Houston.
- McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston late in the Week 6 loss to the Saints and finished 11 of 21 for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception while leading several fourth‑quarter scoring drives.
- The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in late September for a 2027 fifth‑round pick, a low‑cost trade that preserves team control of a young quarterback on a rookie contract.
- Coach John Harbaugh had declined to immediately name a starter after the Saints game and said he was “honing in” on a decision, a move that follows Winston’s benching after two interceptions and his season totals of seven TDs and five INTs.
- Putting McCarthy in the lineup could let New York run more option and play‑action looks that fit the roster, but he must learn a new playbook quickly and will face a difficult Texans pass rush in his first start before the team’s bye week.