Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Giants' quarterback job uncertain after Winston is benched against Saints
The New York Giants lost 37-24 to the New Orleans Saints at home on Sunday.
Jameis Winston started at quarterback but was benched in the fourth quarter after throwing his second interception, which helped the Saints extend their lead to 34-10.
J.J. McCarthy came in and led three scoring drives, throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown, but the Giants could not complete their comeback.
The Giants acquired McCarthy, a former first-round pick, from the Minnesota Vikings late last month, after starting quarterback Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
Coach John Harbaugh has not said who will start next week against the Houston Texans, leaving the team's quarterback situation unresolved.
Running back Cam Skattebo also lost playing time after a string of fumbles, adding to the Giants' questions on offense.
The Giants lost 37-24 to the New Orleans Saints after coach John Harbaugh replaced Jameis Winston with J.J. McCarthy in the fourth quarter.
Winston had thrown two interceptions and New York was trailing 34-10 when McCarthy entered.
McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, led three scoring drives and brought the Giants close to a comeback.
Harbaugh did not say who would start at quarterback in the Giants’ next game against the Houston Texans.
The Giants are now weighing their quarterback options after the loss.
- Who
- The New York Giants, including quarterbacks Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy and coach John Harbaugh.
- What
- The Giants benched Winston against the Saints and used McCarthy in the fourth quarter. Harbaugh has not decided who will start next.
- When
- Oct. 18, 2026, during the Week 6 game.
- Where
- East Rutherford, New Jersey, at the Giants’ home game against the New Orleans Saints.
- Why
- Winston threw two interceptions, and the Giants were trailing 34-10. Harbaugh said the next starting decision had not yet been made.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade.
McCarthy made his Giants debut, playing five snaps.
Harbaugh promoted McCarthy to backup quarterback, and the team planned to increase his playing time.
The Giants replaced Winston with McCarthy in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
Harbaugh said he had not decided who would start against the Houston Texans.
- Final score
- Saints 37, Giants 24
- Winston’s passing
- 14 of 26 for 152 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions
- McCarthy’s passing
- 11 of 21 for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception
- Giants’ record
- 3-2-1
- Next opponent
- Houston Texans
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What people are saying
Can't answer that now
The benefits of it? It’s a change of pace
The only thing I'm focused on is getting better each and every day.
That's him. That's a decision he will have to make.
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John Harbaugh says now is not the time to make a QB decision. He still believes in Jameis Winston. The quarterbacks will be judged on performance.
John Harbaugh also hinted the Giants have more in store for the J.J. McCarthy package. We haven't seen it all yet.
J.J. finds Isaiah Likely 🙌 📺: FOX