Giants Coach Hints at Increased Role for QB J.J. McCarthy

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh indicated that J.J. McCarthy could see an expanded role in the team's offense. McCarthy, 23, played five snaps in the Giants' recent 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders.

"The benefits of it? It’s a change of pace," Harbaugh said Wednesday at a press conference. "What you saw is probably not all we have for him right now. Whether or not he’s out there or not will be determined based on whatever happens. But we’ll see if it’s something that can help us."

Harbaugh emphasized the team's continuous search for opportunities to improve and utilize all available players. "One thing about it, to me, it’s like, what’s the benefit of not doing everything you can to use all the guys you have? We’re always going to be searching for opportunities to use our players, give them an opportunity to help us win games. I think we’d be negligent if we didn’t try to do that," he stated.

During his limited involvement against the Commanders, one of McCarthy's plays was a screen pass to Malik Nabers that was nullified by a penalty. Three of his snaps involved utilizing his running ability to support the team's struggling ground game.

The Giants' running game has faltered since the injury to Jaxson Dart, who was instrumental in the team's Week 1 victory. Quarterback Jameis Winston has since taken over as the starter and led the team to a 2-0-1 record in his starts. In four games (three starts) relieving Dart, Winston has completed 57.6% of his passes for 805 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

McCarthy is expected to again spell Winston for some snaps when the Giants face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Winston has appeared increasingly comfortable in the Giants' offense throughout the season.