J.J. McCarthy Could Step Into Giants’ QB2 Role

McCarthy, 23, arrived in New York at the end of September to add depth after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. Jake Haener has remained in place as Winston’s backup, but the Giants’ willingness to trade a fifth-round pick for McCarthy indicated that he would have a role once he was integrated into the offense.

McCarthy was still active on game day in Week 4. He was not designated as the No. 3 emergency quarterback, so he was available to enter the game regardless of injuries to Winston and Haener. Though Harbaugh said that the Giants prepared a few plays with McCarthy under center, he did not enter the game.

Haener was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster this week, suggesting that he remains in New York’s quarterback plans. But if McCarthy steps into the backup role, Haener could be designated as the emergency No. 3 on game days moving forward.

Harbaugh’s comments also raise questions about the potential for McCarthy to eventually take over for Winston as the Giants’ starter. The veteran has won his first two starts, but he threw for just 368 yards across both games with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The victories should keep Winston in place for now, but New York did not acquire McCarthy for nothing. Should Winston struggle, the former Viking is a far more likely starting candidate than Haener.

McCarthy’s demotion to the third-string job in Minnesota made it seem like he had virtually no chance of seeing the field this year, but his move to New York could give him a fresh start sooner than expected.