The New York Giants opted not to utilize newly acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy during their most recent game, despite activating him on the 46-man roster. Head coach John Harbaugh explained that while McCarthy was available to play, the team primarily manipulated their special teams formations to allow for three quarterbacks to be active: starter Jameis Winston, backup Jake Haener, and McCarthy. By activating McCarthy instead of naming him the emergency third quarterback, the Giants retained the flexibility to insert him into the game at any time, although that scenario never materialized.

Harbaugh noted that deploying McCarthy extensively was never the plan. “To think that he was going to be the backup for the whole game was unrealistic,” he said. The coaching staff included both Haener and McCarthy to cover “the two roles” among the quarterback group. The Giants also prepared plays that could take advantage of McCarthy’s mobility, including two-point conversion attempts where his running ability added unpredictability, though McCarthy did not enter the game during these sequences.

On the offensive line, Bryan Hudson started at center in place of John Michael Schmitz, who missed practice during the week due to the birth of his child and arrived at the stadium wearing a “Dad” hat. Harbaugh praised Hudson’s readiness and familiarity, noting that he had been making line calls and gaining increasing responsibilities. “J.MS didn’t have a lot of rest. It just made sense,” Harbaugh said, adding this was not a long-term change but rather a strategic decision given current circumstances.

The Giants faced additional challenges on defense as wide receiver Braxton Berrios was sidelined with a foot injury, safety Jason Pinnock left the game with a concussion, and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston was ruled out due to a neck issue in the third quarter. Tyler Nubin, who started the game but was replaced by Pinnock following a missed tackle and a poor positional angle on a touchdown run, re-entered the lineup to fill Pinnock’s spot.

Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada continued to impress, remaining perfect through nine field goal attempts so far this season. He became the first Giants rookie to convert three or more field goals of 50 yards or longer in a single season after Week 4. Harbaugh commended Zvada’s performance, emphasizing the kicker’s focus on maintaining consistency moving forward. “That kid’s doing a great job,” he said, “but he’s going to be thinking about the next kick.”