After starting the past four games for the New York Giants, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston has officially been benched in favor of J.J. McCarthy.
Despite going 2-1-1 as the starter for the Giants, Winston lost the job in Week 6 by tossing two interceptions in a loss to the Saints. It certainly didn’t help his case that McCarthy looked great in relief duty, throwing for 243 yards and leading the G-Men on three unanswered scoring drives.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, Harbaugh confirmed that McCarthy will get the start Week 7 against the Texans.
“I thought Jameis has done a tremendous job, won us games, played well,” Harbaugh told reporters. “As we go forward here, this is going to be our direction. We think it gives us some good options on offense.”
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When asked about being benched, Winston made it clear that he won’t have any negative feelings towards McCarthy. Instead, he’ll try his best to uplift his young teammate.
“Every single week, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. Last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen,” Winston said. “I’m extremely grateful that I still get to do what I love, and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants. Being able to accept roles and understand, ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?'”
Golden opportunity for McCarthy.
McCarthy struggled for the Vikings in 2025, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The organization clearly felt he wasn’t good enough to keep on the roster, which is why he was traded to the Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Now, McCarthy has a second chance to prove that he’s capable of leading an NFL franchise.
“Being here and getting this opportunity, I’m just so blessed and thank God every single day; thank the Mara family and this organization for allowing me this opportunity,” McCarthy said.
We’ll see if McCarthy revitalizes his career in the Big Apple. A win over the Texans would certainly do wonders for his confidence.
