J.J. McCarthy had two basic issues during his time with the Minnesota Vikings: Ability. And durability.
Since his trade to the New York Giants, McCarthy has shown no ability problems because he beat out Jameis Winston as the team’s starter and even provided something of a spark in helping New York beat the Houston Texans in overtime.
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So no ability issue.
But Sunday presented a durability issue.
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) throws a pass during a game between the New York Giants and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. ..Trask Smith/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © Trask Smith/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA) (Trask Smith/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA)
McCarthy left the game against the Philadelphia Eagles with what the team is saying is a hip injury.
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So, back to Jameis Winston for the Giants.
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New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Winston entered the game on the Giants’ first possession of the third quarter after McCarthy took a shot from Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. McCarthy gingerly got himself to the New York sideline and took a knee.
McCarthy tried to throw a warmup pass after collecting himself and could be seen writhing in pain during the follow-through.
OutKick and FOX News Digital medical expert said the tape of the play suggests an oblique muscle injury. The Giants say McCarthy is questionable to return. .
McCarthy completed 9 of 13 passes for 101 yards before he departed. He was sacked five times in the first half.
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)
He returned to the sideline and was seen encouraging his teammates as if he intended to return to the game.
Despite what appeared to be too much pain to function, McCarthy returned to the game in the fourth quarter. It is possible he agreed to take a shot to deaden the pain and return.