The New York Giants are weighing the possibility of elevating J.J. McCarthy to the backup quarterback position ahead of their upcoming game against the Washington Commanders. The move would come just six days after the Giants acquired McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach John Harbaugh indicated Monday that promoting McCarthy to the No. 2 quarterback spot behind starter Jameis Winston is under serious consideration. “I think that’s a possibility. We’ll see how it goes during the week,” Harbaugh said. McCarthy was active for the Giants’ 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday as the third-string quarterback, behind Winston and Jake Haener. While the team incorporated a few packages in their game plan for McCarthy, there was no moment when the coaching staff seriously contemplated putting him on the field during the contest. Winston completed three touchdown passes but also threw two interceptions as the Giants improved their record to 3-1.
McCarthy, 21, did not see any game action in Minnesota before the trade and was acquired in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The Giants have since been working to accelerate his adaptation to their system in hopes of having him ready to serve as their immediate backup.
The win over Arizona came with a setback, as wide receiver Braxton Berrios sustained a foot and ankle injury that could land him on injured reserve, sidelining him for up to four games. Berrios, primarily the team’s kickoff and punt returner, participated in just 9 percent of the offensive snaps so far this season and has had minimal involvement in the passing game.
In Berrios’s absence, the Giants plan to rely on Charlie Jones, who was promoted from the practice squad last week following the release of veteran Odell Beckham Jr. Jones handled two kickoff returns and two punts in his debut with New York. Over three seasons with Cincinnati, Jones returned 47 kickoffs and 50 punts, scoring three touchdowns on returns. The Giants also have practice squad receiver Dalen Cambre, a return specialist, and Jalin Hyatt, a wideout without return duties, as potential options.
On the offensive line, Bryan Hudson delivered a strong performance in his first NFL start at center during the game against Arizona. Hudson played every snap, allowed only one pressure, and registered a 91.3% pass-block win rate, ranking 12th among 30 centers evaluated prior to Monday night’s game. Hudson started in place of John Michael Schmitz Jr., who missed several practices due to the birth of his first child. While Harbaugh said Hudson’s starting role is “not a long-term thing,” he acknowledged the challenge of making a decision between two strong performers at the position, suggesting that Schmitz’s return to the lineup this week remains uncertain. “JMS was playing really well too. Very good problem to have, I guess you could say,” Harbaugh added.