John Harbaugh Explains JJ McCarthy Move in Week 4 Giants-Cardinals Game
The New York Giants continue to roll Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback following the devastating news of Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. The former Florida State Seminoles star signal-caller was back under center anew on Sunday, helping the Giants score a 36-24 win at home over the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Winston had a quintessential Winston performance, throwing three touchdowns with two interceptions, while racking up 250 passing yards on 18/29 pass completions. He was also sacked four times for a loss of 18 yards.
McCarthy Did Not See Action in First Giants Game Since His Trade From The Vikings
Oct 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York quarterback McCarthy (18) warms up before a game against the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, New York had new quarterback JJ McCarthy in uniform even though Giants head coach John Harbaugh said the former Michigan Wolverines star QB was highly unlikely to see action just days after the signal-caller was acquired by the team via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
“It just gave us an option in case we wanted to put J.J. out there and run certain plays that we had prepared for him,” explained Harbaugh after the game, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
New York had another quarterback active in Jake Haener, who would have been the first QB off the bench if there was a need to replace Winston under center.
The 23-year-old McCarthy is still learning New York’ system and adjusting to his new surroundings after he was traded by the Vikings, who selected him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He lost the starting QB battle in Minnesota to veteran and team newcomer Kyler Murray and was even passed on the depth chart by Carson Wentz.
The Giants improved to 3-1 and remain atop the NFC East Division standings with a game against the Washington Commanders on the road coming up in Week 5.
Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York head coach Harbaugh watches from the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.