Overview
- The Giants plan to start J.J. McCarthy on Sunday against the Houston Texans, a decision reported Wednesday and made after his relief appearance against the Saints.
- McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter on Oct. 18 and completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards while leading three scoring drives, producing the on-field evidence that accelerated the move.
- New York acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in late September for a 2027 fifth-round pick, giving the team low-cost control of a former No. 10 overall pick with upside and injury history.
- Coach John Harbaugh said he was 'honing in' on the choice and will address it after practice, while analysts are split between giving McCarthy an extended chance and keeping veteran Jameis Winston for stability.
- The change is meant to better fit an offense built for a mobile signal‑caller and could alter the Giants' run-game production, short-term playoff hopes in the NFC East, and longer-term quarterback evaluations.