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HOUSTON — It is definitely possible that the addition of J.J. McCarthy in the starting lineup will help the Giants get back to the business of running the ball at an acceptable rate, perhaps as soon as Sunday against the Texans. McCarthy is a far more dangerous threat as a runner than Jameis Winston, the quarterback he replaced.
It is also definitely possible that having McCarthy as part of the rushing attack will put him at greater physical risk and that might be concerning. In his brief time in the NFL, McCarthy, 23, has shown an inability to avoid injuries of all shapes, sizes and severity.
He missed his entire 2024 rookie season when he tore his meniscus in his first preseason game and needed knee surgery. He went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 2 in 2025, missing five games.
He missed one game in concussion protocol and missed another game that same season when he suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand in a Week 16 game against the Giants.
This past August, he could not play in the final preseason game for the Vikings because of a sprained ankle.
Knowing when to take off, when to slide and how to protect himself will all be vital elements to McCarthy’s durability. When used judiciously, his ability to operate in the run-pass option world should open lanes for the running backs, a group that has been among the biggest disappointments on the roster.
Another week, another key player down and out.
ILB Tremaine Edmunds is done for the season with a shoulder injury, a huge loss for a defense already playing without edge rusher Brian Burns, who suffered a knee injury in Week 3 to land on season-ending injured reserve.
Edmunds led the team in tackles (50) and was on the field for all 380 snaps in the first six games.
His replacement is Micah McFadden, who will make his first start since the 2025 opener. He suffered a serious foot injury in that game and missed the remainder of that season.
McFadden started 35 games for the Giants in his first three years.
Safety Jevón Holland was downgraded to out. He had been listed as questionable with a concussion.
TE Theo Johnson (neck) was ruled out and did not make the trip.
The Giants in last week’s loss to the Saints managed to get only 34 rushing yards in 14 attempts from their running backs.
Patrick Ricard, the 300-pound blocking fullback, called that “embarrassing to me’’ and said “any decent type of run game’’ must have at least 100 yards.
“It’s been disappointing not being able to run the ball,’’ Ricard told The Post. “That’s the reason I’m here, and for us as a team not to be able to do it, it’s extremely frustrating. I take accountability. I feel like I need to do better.’’
WR Jalin Hyatt was activated from the practice squad for the first time this season.
McCarthy’s first start for the Giants comes in a place with pleasant memories for him.
On Jan. 8, 2024, he won the national championship with Michigan at NRG Stadium, beating Washington 34-13.
“It’s going to be really cool to be in Houston and I think we’re staying in the same hotel that we stayed in when we were there,’’ McCarthy said.