The New York Giants will start J.J. McCarthy at quarterback Sunday against the Houston Texans instead of Jameis Winston, head coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday.
"We will be starting J.J. in the game" against Houston, Harbaugh said, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. Winston will serve as the backup on Sunday.
McCarthy sparked the Giants' offense after replacing Winston in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, nearly leading New York to an improbable comeback.
McCarthy joined the Giants in September in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him 10th overall in 2024.
The Michigan product completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 34-27 Week 6 loss.
Harbaugh declined to name a starting quarterback Monday, indicating the team was "honing in" on a decision, according to Raanan.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is out for the season after injuring his knee in the team's Sept. 21 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Winston initially stepped into the starting role with Dart sidelined. The Giants own a 2-1-1 record since the 2015 first overall pick took over at quarterback. The 32-year-old passed for 152 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before being benched against the Saints.
McCarthy is expected to help boost the Giants' struggling rushing attack. He led the team with 26 rushing yards against New Orleans. New York is averaging 104.8 yards rushing and 3.8 yards per carry.
