John Harbaugh gives telling response about Giants' QB situation

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

John Harbaugh gives telling response about Giants' QB situation

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 5:40 PM ET

The New York Giants dropped to 3-2-1 with a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants were down 34-10 to start the fourth quarter, but John Harbaugh's team scored 17 points to make it a one-score game with two minutes remaining.

Both J.J. McCarthy and Jameis Winston played in the game at quarterback for New York. Winston went 14-of-26 for 152 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while McCarthy went 11-of-21 for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

McCarthy replaced Winston and almost led New York to a comeback, which brings into question whether or not Harbaugh will make a change.

On Monday, Harbaugh gave a telling response when asked about the QB battle.

“We’re working through that now, honing in on a decision," Harbaugh said, via Paul Schwartz of The New York Post.

John Harbaugh says “we’re working through that now, honing in on a decision” about who starts at quarterback this week.
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) October 19, 2026

Harbaugh added that they aren't ready to name a starter yet, which leaves the door open for McCarthy to take over.

Who will the Giants start in Week 7?

This was McCarthy's first real game action since he came over in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, and he injected life into the offense.

Winston, meanwhile, has seven touchdowns and five interceptions since taking over for the injured Jaxson Dart.

After McCarthy's strong effort and Harbaugh's decision to bench Winston midgame, all signs point to McCarthy starting in Week 7 against the Houston Texans.

Matt Wadleigh

Matt Wadleigh is based in California and born and raised in the San Diego area. He studied print journalism at Fresno State for college and got to watch Paul George, Derek Carr and Davante Adams play in a Bulldogs uniform. His work has been featured at ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Sporting News, and various USA Today sites, including UCLA Wire, where he was the first managing editor

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