×

Report: Giants QB J.J. McCarthy to start vs. Texans

By Thomson Reuters Oct 21, 2026 | 12:57 PM

By Field Level Media

Oct 21 (Field Level Media) – Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get the nod over Jameis Winston to ​start the New York Giants’ game ‌against the host Houston Texans on Sunday, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The start would be McCarthy’s first since the Giants (3-2-1) acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings ‌on ​Sept. 28 for a ⁠fifth-round pick in ⁠the 2027 NFL Draft.

McCarthy replaced Winston in the fourth quarter of New York’s 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints last ​Sunday. The former completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and ⁠led three scoring drives.

Signed ⁠to a two-year, $13 million contract extension ​prior to the season, Winston started the ​previous four games for the Giants in ‌place of the injured Jaxson Dart.

Winston, 32, has completed 57.0% of his passes for 957 yards with seven touchdowns and five ⁠interceptions in five games this season.

McCarthy, 23, has connected on 57.2% of his passes for 1,875 ⁠yards with ‌12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions ⁠in 12 career games (10 starts) ​with ‌the Vikings and Giants.

He was ​selected by ⁠the Vikings with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He also won a national championship at Michigan while playing for Giants coach John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.

(–Field ​Level Media)