Make New York Post a Preferred Source Are the Giants planning a package of plays for J.J. McCarthy?
In a surprise twist, the Giants activated three quarterbacks, including McCarthy, for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.
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Because McCarthy is on the 53-man roster, the Giants could have made McCarthy inactive and still used him as the emergency third-stringer if the starter and backup (Jameis Winston and Jake Haener) are ruled out.
By not doing that, the Giants have opened the door for McCarthy to be the backup — or for him to play in a select set of plays. Perhaps in short yardage where his legs are a threat the way Jaxson Dart’s were before the injury — and Winston’s are not.
Haener was elevated from the practice squad Saturday.
Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Getty Images The Giants’ inactives include safety Ar’Darius Washington, running back Devin Singletary, cornerback Nikko Reed, defensive lineman Jihad Ward, tight end Thomas Fidone II and defensive tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis.
“We just have to see each and every day how much can he handle,” Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said this week when asked about McCarthy possibly playing a small role, “and then we continue to throw more and more at him. And then we have to make our own judgment on, ‘Now, what is he doing on the field, and where does that take him as a No. 2 or No. 3?'”
