J.J.McCarthy

News: 1 day agoGiants head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday he plans to keep using McCarthy in a change-of-pace role behind starting quarterback Jameis Winston in an effort to take advantage of McCarthy's scrambling ability, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Acquired from the Vikings on Sept. 28, McCarthy has suited up for both of the Giants' ensuing two games but didn't make his team debut until this past Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Commanders. He ended up replacing Winston under center for five snaps, gaining two yards on two carries and having two of the plays wiped out by penalties. Despite the meager returns in his package of plays last week, McCarthy looks like he'll remain a marginal part of the game plan in Week 6 against the Saints. Harbaugh has given no indication that McCarthy will displace Winston as the team's starter anytime soon.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McCarthy's career is off to a slow start after the 2024 first-round pick missed his entire rookie season because of an injury then struggled through 2025. McCarthy appeared in 10 games and totaled 11 passing TDs and 12 interceptions while completing an ugly 58% of his passes. McCarthy added some value with his legs (including four TDs), but his production was extremely inconsistent (18-plus fantasy points in four games, but 6.7 per game in his other six outings). The 23-year-old still has plenty of time to develop, but that will come as a backup to Kyler Murray this season. McCarthy is worth considering only in dynasty leagues.