- J.J. McCarthy is getting the start in Week 7, and the move does more than change the name on the lineup card.
- It puts McCarthy ahead of Jameis Winston in the Giants’ quarterback order for Sunday’s trip to Houston, while leaving open the question of whether this is a one-game adjustment or the start of a longer shift.
- The Giants are 3-2-1 and sitting in first place in a down NFC East, so this is not a team in free fall.
- The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Vikings in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft choice, a move that signaled they saw more than a short-term backup.
- The Giants also said he is 6-4 as a starter.
- For now, the depth chart answer is clear: McCarthy starts, Winston backs him up, and Jake Haener is the emergency third quarterback.
Giants turn to J.J. McCarthy for Week 7, with Winston sliding to backup
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Sources & Referenced Reporting
- New York Giants, “J.J. McCarthy to start for Giants in Week 7 vs. Texans,” Oct. 21, 2026.
- ESPN, “Giants to start McCarthy over Winston at QB this weekend against Texans,” Oct. 21, 2026.
- bigblueview.com, “J.J. McCarthy is honored to have the opportunity to start for the NY Giants,” Oct. 21, 2026.
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