[REVISION HISTORY]

J. J. McCarthy named Giants starting quarterback

Updated 37 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-25 07:12 UTC → 2026-10-27 11:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The New York Giants acquired quarterback J. J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The trade, pending a physical, provides depth following a season-ending knee injury to starter Jaxson Dart. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was activated for the Giants' Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals. While his specific role remains unconfirmed, head coach John Harbaugh noted McCarthy’s dedication to immersing himself in the playbook. Jameis Winston remains the starter, with Jake Haener recently elevated from the practice squad. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy indicated the team will evaluate McCarthy’s progress daily. During a Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders, which resulted in a tie, McCarthy made his team debut by appearing for five snaps. The Giants utilized him in specialized rushing packages during the second half, though his attempts yielded minimal yardage. Following the game, Harbaugh suggested McCarthy could serve as a “change of pace” to help the offense. McCarthy has since delivered a strong performance for the Giants, recording 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during a comeback attempt against the New Orleans Saints. This performance led head coach John Harbaugh to name McCarthy the starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 7 game against the Houston Texans. McCarthy replaces Winston, who had been starting in place of the injured Dart. Harbaugh noted that McCarthy will require time to adjust to the offensive scheme, comparing the learning curve to a hypothetical return of Tom Brady. Following his start against the Texans, McCarthy recorded a career-best 252 passing yards. This resurgence has contributed to the Giants holding first place in the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record. Consequently, ESPN’s Football Power Index has increased the team's chances of winning the division from 10.5% to 39.0%.

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