J.J. McCarthy Gets Massive Giants Role Update From John Harbaugh Ahead of Week 5
After the New York Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in late September 2026 for a 2027 fifth-round pick, the former first-rounder entered a crowded quarterback situation.
J.J. McCarthy was the Giants’ third-string quarterback before Week 4 but there has been a few changes now which promotes his position to a backup and there are reasons for that.
J.J. McCarthy promoted as a backup
With starter Jaxson Dart sidelined for the season by a knee injury, Jameis Winston took over as the No. 1. Jake Haener served as the primary backup. McCarthy, still learning the offense after just a few days with the team, dressed as the third-string quarterback for the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Giants activated three quarterbacks that day and even prepared a small package of plays for McCarthy. Head coach John Harbaugh later explained they kept him available in case they wanted to insert him for specific situations, but there was never a realistic plan for him to serve as the full-game backup. McCarthy did not enter the game. That changed quickly.
May 21, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks at a press conference during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
On Monday, October 5, Harbaugh told reporters that promoting McCarthy to the No. 2 spot behind Winston for Week 5 against the Washington Commanders was a real possibility. “I think that’s a possibility. We’ll see how it goes during the week, but that’s definitely on the table,” Harbaugh said.
The coaching staff has liked what it has seen from McCarthy in practice and is willing to move him ahead of Haener on the depth chart. When he can actually start remains a question.
J.J. McCarthy has to wait
Yes, he could eventually start, but not right away and it remains far from certain. Jameis Winston is the clear starter. Head coach John Harbaugh has consistently backed him since Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury in Week 2. McCarthy arrived in late September and was the third-string quarterback in Week 4. He dressed for the game and the team had some package plays ready for him, but he never entered.
Harbaugh has left the door open in general terms by saying all things are possible, yet he has not suggested an immediate change. McCarthy still needs time to fully learn the Giants’ offense under coordinator Matt Nagy. A start would most likely happen only if Winston struggles significantly or if McCarthy impresses enough in practice and as the backup that the coaching staff decides a switch is needed later in the season.
For Week 5 and the near term, Winston remains QB1, with McCarthy potentially stepping into the No. 2 job.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.