Giants' JJ McCarthy could have bigger role in offense, John Harbaugh indicates

J.J. McCarthy might not be making a giant impact in New York just yet, but that could change soon.

McCarthy played five snaps in the New York Giants' 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and head coach John Harbaugh indicated more snaps could be coming for the 23-year-old.

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"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."

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J.J. McCarthy No. 18 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 4, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

The head coach said the team is always looking for opportunities to improve and wants to explore all avenues.

"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," Harbaugh said.

One of McCarthy’s plays was a screen pass to Malik Nabers that was called back because of a penalty. Three of his plays involved using the threat of his running ability to spark the struggling running game.

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New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy is tackled by Washington Commanders' Frankie Luvu during the second half of an NFL game in Landover, Md., on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

The running game was strong in the Giants' Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys with Jaxson Dart in the lineup, but it has faltered since he suffered an injury. It seems the Giants will continue to use McCarthy to spark their running game.

Winston has taken over as the starting quarterback since Dart was sidelined by injury and is 2-0-1. In four games (three starts) in relief of Dart, Winston has completed 57.6% of his passes for 805 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston gets a hug from Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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However, Winston has looked increasingly comfortable in the Giants’ offense each week.

When the Giants play one of Winston’s former teams, the New Orleans Saints, on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, McCarthy will likely spell Winston for some snaps.