New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, indicating he has recovered sufficiently from a hip pointer injury to start Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders.
McCarthy sustained the injury, described as a deep bone bruise, two days prior during a warm-up pass. The injury caused him to leave the field for treatment and miss a significant portion of the game against the Eagles, though he did return for the final 16 minutes. Despite initial concerns, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed McCarthy's full participation. "We practiced, we moved, we were going fast," Harbaugh said. "He looked good."
McCarthy himself expressed confidence in his recovery. "I feel really good," he stated. "Just being able to have a great team around me, so fortunate here and outside of the facility. It adapts every week to the aches and pains, and I felt like we did a really good job so far, and we’ve got to continue."
He emphasized his desire to be on the field. "The importance is to be out there as much as I possibly can. No matter what happens, no matter what narratives one can draw, it’s being out there with my brothers and doing whatever I can to help the team be successful."
In other injury news from practice, rookie cornerback Colton Hood dislocated a finger but is expected to be fine. Outside linebacker Abdul Carter (knee/back) and outside linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) were limited participants. Wide receivers Charlie Jones (thumb) and Darnell Mooney (chest), along with running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring), were upgraded to full participants.
Mccarthy also commented on the news that the Minnesota Vikings, who had traded him earlier in the season, reacquired Kirk Cousins. "Kirk Cousins? He’s going back," McCarthy said. "I wish him nothing but the best of luck, and I know he’s loved in that building, so he’ll be a great fit."