What is confirmed
Head coach John Harbaugh said Monday the team was "working through that now, honing in on a decision" after McCarthy replaced Winston with 11:25 left in Sunday's 34-27 loss to New Orleans. In that stretch McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception, leading three scoring drives and taking the Giants to the Saints 14 in the final seconds.
Winston was 14 of 26 for 152 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before he came out. As a starter this season he went 2-1-1. The Giants acquired McCarthy from Minnesota on Sept. 28 for a 2027 fifth-round pick, after Jaxson Dart was lost for the season with a knee injury.
What comes from ESPN's source
The starting decision itself comes from Fowler's reporting. The Giants had not announced it at the time of publishing, and Wednesday's practice reps and Harbaugh's next media session are the places to see it made official.
Why it matters for RSO
This is a real opportunity for a quarterback who began the season as Minnesota's third option. McCarthy brings mobility and a willingness to push the ball downfield, which showed in Sunday's comeback. That changes the outlook for the Giants' pass catchers, who could see more deep targets than they got from Winston.
The matchup is not easy. New York is 3-2-1 and in first place but plays on the road at Houston (2-4), and McCarthy has had only a few weeks to learn the offense.
