Giants bench Jameis Winston to start J.J. McCarthy against Texans

The New York Giants will bench Jameis Winston and start J.J. McCarthy on Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to ESPN. The move comes less than a month after the Giants acquired McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, as the team seeks to secure a playoff berth in a weakened NFC East.

McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has recently seen increased playing time. After appearing in packages during the Giants' 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders in Week 5, the 23-year-old quarterback took over for Winston during the fourth quarter of a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Entering the final period with a 34-10 deficit, McCarthy threw an interception on his first possession but subsequently led a comeback attempt that fell short.

In that game, McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown, leading three scoring drives. The first drive ended with a Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 34-18. He later threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely, though the following two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 34-24. McCarthy then led a field goal drive to cut the deficit to 34-27. A fourth-down pass attempt from the Saints' 14-yard line sailed high, ending the opportunity for a tie or win if coach John Harbaugh had chosen to go for two.

According to NFL Network, McCarthy's 243 passing yards represent the most in a fourth quarter by any player this season and the second most by a non-starting quarterback over the past 25 seasons. In contrast, Winston, who is 32 years old, went 2-1-1 at quarterback for New York but struggled against his former team in the loss to New Orleans, throwing two interceptions during the Giants' rally attempt.

The Giants believe McCarthy's mobility can help spark a running game that has faltered under Winston. McCarthy was the team's leading rusher in Sunday's loss with 26 yards. Although some expected an easier debut as starter to follow the Giants' bye week, which comes after the Texans game, the team decided to start him immediately. New York currently holds a 3-2-1 record and sits atop the NFC East, with division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders all battling injuries and underperforming.