J.J. McCarthy's Giants Role for Commanders Game Discussed by John Harbaugh After Vikings Trade

J.J. McCarthy has the chance to move up the depth chart in his second week with the New York Giants.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the quarterback being the No. 2 behind Jameis Winston against the Washington Commanders is a "possibility" and something that's "on the table."

Moving to the second string would be an upgrade for McCarthy, who was demoted to the third-string quarterback with the Minnesota Vikings after losing the battle for the starting job to Kyler Murray.

The Vikings traded McCarthy for a fifth-round pick last week after Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending injury.

McCarthy has had a rough start to his career, missing all of his rookie season before throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 10 games last year.

The rocky start leaves McCarthy with a mental hurdle to overcome as he continues his development. Harbaugh is just focusing on one game at a time with the young quarterback.

"Not really thinking about that," Harbaugh said. "We're just focusing on preparing for the next game, getting him ready for the Commanders game. That's really what we'll be looking to try to get accomplished."

As for whether Winston could be replaced as the starter at some point this season, he at least bought himself another week under center after a strong performance in a win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Winston, who struggled in his first start last week, threw for 250 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

▶️ Full Cardinals-Giants Recap

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He said after the game that the threat of being benched doesn't faze him.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity I have now. Right now, I get to smile and say, 'I'm the starting QB for the New York Football Giants,'" Winston told reporters. "Focusing on what I would love is winning games with my team, being the best I could be. I'm heating up and I'm starting to get better and better. Last week, I was questioning if I could even throw. This week, I got people talking about the Jameis Winston Experience again."

Barring an injury, it appears Winston will remain under center for the time being, but the Giants must decide between McCarthy and Jake Haener as his backup for Sunday's game against the Commanders.