Jameis Winston said he understands the New York Giants’ decision to name J.J. McCarthy the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, accepting a return to the backup role after a rough performance in the team’s loss last week.
Head coach John Harbaugh announced the change Wednesday, making McCarthy the third different starter for the Giants this season. The move came three days after Winston was pulled in the fourth quarter of a 34-27 defeat to the New Orleans Saints.
Winston completed 14 of 26 passes for 152 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Saints. He was sacked four times as the Giants fell behind 34-10 before the switch.
McCarthy entered with the score at 34-10 and finished 11 of 21 for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 26 yards on two carries and led three scoring drives that cut the deficit to seven points, though New York fell short on a final drive.
“Last game it wasn’t what it was capable of being,” Winston said. “Every single week, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. So I believe based off last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen. That being said, I understand where I am now.”
The Giants turned to Winston after Jaxson Dart tore the MCL and meniscus in his left knee during a Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, ending the rookie’s season. Winston started the next four games and guided New York to a 2-1-1 mark in those contests.
On the season, Winston has completed 57 percent of his passes for 957 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions, posting a 76.4 passer rating across five appearances. The 32-year-old veteran, a former No. 1 overall pick, has spent much of recent seasons in a reserve capacity.
The Giants enter Week 7 with a 3-2-1 record, sitting atop a wide-open NFC East. Philadelphia and Dallas are both 2-4, while Washington is 1-4-1, giving New York a realistic path to the division title despite the quarterback change.
New York acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28 in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The 23-year-old former first-round selection (No. 10 overall in 2024) had started 10 games for Minnesota in 2025, going 6-4, before the trade following Dart’s injury.
“Just focusing on one day at a time,” Winston said. “I’m extremely grateful that I still get to do what I love, and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants. Being able to accept roles and understand like, ‘What is your significant role? How can I be the best at my role with this team?’ is one of the things you have to adjust to in this league.”
Winston has been credited by teammates, including Dart, with helping younger quarterbacks adjust to the NFL. McCarthy has described Winston as a strong teacher since arriving in New York.
Harbaugh said McCarthy “gives us the best chance to play the best offense we can,” noting the move provides additional options, particularly with mobility elements that were limited under Winston. The coach stopped short of calling the change permanent for the rest of the year.
McCarthy will make his first start as a Giant on Sunday in Houston, where the Texans are 2-4. The Giants have a bye the following week.
Winston remains the primary backup, with Jake Haener as the emergency third-string quarterback. The team continues to pursue wins in a competitive division race as the season progresses past the midpoint.
The decision reflects the Giants’ urgency to maximize their offense amid injuries and a favorable division landscape, with both quarterbacks now positioned to contribute in their respective roles going forward.
