Harbaugh: McCarthy a better bet than a returning Brady
The Ravens coach playfully suggested the rookie quarterback would be more game-ready than the retired Buccaneers legend.
John Harbaugh, the Ravens head coach, suggested that if faced with a choice between two Michigan-bred quarterbacks, the Giants would be better off starting rookie J.J. McCarthy over a hypothetical returning Tom Brady.
Harbaugh, who recently made the decision to start McCarthy over Jameis Winston, offered the playful comparison after practice on Friday. He used Brady as an example to illustrate the timing of roster moves and the window of opportunity.
“If Tom Brady decided he wanted to come back from retirement — which, I doubt for one second he could, no matter what he thinks,” Harbaugh said, addressing the camera directly. “You heard me, Tom.”
Harbaugh continued, “I don’t think he’d be ready the first week, as much as you might want to put him in there. So, it wouldn’t be in the best interest to play the first week.”
Brady, 49, last played in 2022. The quarterback was drafted 199th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft and went on to win seven Super Bowls. He also moved from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 free agency.
In his career, Brady held a 6-5 record against Harbaugh's Ravens.
In other team news, cornerback Paulson Adebo is expected to be activated from injured reserve after missing the last five games due to a knee injury. His return on Sunday will coincide with the absence of cornerback Greg Newsome II, who is sidelined with a concussion. Harbaugh confirmed Adebo is ready to play, describing him as a "legit corner" and "cover corner" who tackles well.
Harbaugh also addressed the release of running back Najee Harris, who was the team's starter the previous week. Harbaugh stated that the decision was not a result of Harris criticizing the team's four-man rotation. Instead, he explained it was a strategic move to establish a course and manage the roster, acknowledging that carrying four running backs was difficult and other roster adjustments were necessary.
Additionally, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is out for the season with a shoulder injury, and tight end Theo Johnson is doubtful with a neck injury. Cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee) is listed as questionable, along with right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), safety Jevón Holland (concussion), safety Tyler Nubin (neck), and offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (knee).