Giants to start J.J. McCarthy over Jameis Winston against Texans
The New York Giants will bench quarterback Jameis Winston and start rookie J.J. McCarthy in Sunday’s game versus the Houston Texans as they pursue a playoff spot.
The New York Giants announced that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will start on Sunday against the Houston Texans, replacing Jameis Winston. The move comes less than a month after the team acquired McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy saw significant playing time in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ recent loss to the New Orleans Saints, completing 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and leading three scoring drives that narrowed the deficit.
The Giants have a 3-2-1 record and currently lead the NFC East, while division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders contend with injuries. Coach Brian Daboll hopes McCarthy’s mobility will improve the struggling running game, as Winston struggled in recent outings, throwing two interceptions in the loss to the Saints.
The decision to start McCarthy ahead of the bye week reflects the team’s urgency to secure a playoff berth in a weakened division.