Giants acquire J.J. McCarthy, but his quarterback role remains uncertain

After acquiring J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota, the New York Giants held his inaugural practice session, but his role for the weekend’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals remains undefined. Head coach John Harbaugh reiterated that Jameis Winston will start at quarterback, leaving the backup spot open between McCarthy and practice-squad QB Jake Haener.

The trade cost the Giants a fifth-round draft pick, a price the organization seemed willing to pay after losing quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker Brian Burns to season-ending knee injuries. Harbaugh described McCarthy as a very talented player who will make the team stronger. Winston’s recent start saw him complete 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards in a 12-7 win over Tennessee, while the Giants’ offense managed 238 yards without a touchdown, aided by kicker Dominic Zvada’s four field goals and a late interception by safety Jevon Holland.