Big Blue is making a big change at quarterback.
The New York Giants are benching Jameis Winston and starting J.J. McCarthy on Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to ESPN.
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Less than a month after acquiring McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants are turning to the 23-year-old quarterback to try to lead them to the playoffs in a weakened NFC East.
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J.J. McCarthy No. 18 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 4, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
After being used in packages in the Giants’ 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders in Week 5, McCarthy saw significant action during the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints and thrived.
McCarthy took over for Winston when the Giants were down 34-10 in the fourth quarter. He threw an interception on his first possession but then led a furious comeback attempt. McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown.
McCarthy led three scoring drives, the first ending with a Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to make it 34-18. He then threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely, but the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 34-24. He then led a field goal drive to cut the deficit to 34-27.
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft led the Giants down the field and gave them a chance to tie or win the game if coach John Harbaugh decided to go for two, but his fourth-down pass attempt from the Saints’ 14-yard line sailed high.
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New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during the second half of an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
While the comeback fell short, McCarthy impressed and made history in the process. His 243 yards are the most passing yards in the fourth quarter by any player this season and the second most by a quarterback who did not start the game over the past 25 seasons, according to NFL Network.
The Giants went 2-1-1 with Winston at quarterback, but the 32-year-old struggled against the Saints. He threw two costly interceptions as the Giants attempted to rally against his former team.
The Giants hope the more mobile McCarthy can spark a struggling running game that has faltered with Winston at quarterback. McCarthy was the team’s leading rusher with 26 yards in Sunday’s loss.
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New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston gets a hug from Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Some believed an easier debut as the starter for McCarthy would come after the Giants’ bye week, which follows the Texans game, but the Giants decided otherwise.
The Giants are 3-2-1 and sit atop the NFC East, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders all struggling and battling injuries, leaving New York with an opportunity to win the division.