Giants’ John Harbaugh still playing it close to the vest on J.J. McCarthy-Jameis Winston debate appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the New York Giants benching Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy in the 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the football world is wondering whether head coach John Harbaugh will start McCarthy in the future. While fans wonder if McCarthy’s time is coming for the Giants, Harbaugh would have an update on where he’s at when it comes to a decision on a starting quarterback.
As Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the season, New York has turned to Winston, but when the team made the trade with the Minnesota Vikings for McCarthy, it brought a quarterback battle to the scene. In the aforementioned loss to the Saints, Winston threw for 152 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions, enough for Harbaugh to put McCarthy in the game in the fourth quarter.
The results were somewhat encouraging, throwing for 243 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and when Harbaugh was asked Monday if Winston will be the starting quarterback, the head coach didn’t answer straight-on. Instead, he expressed that they are “working” on that decision.
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“We’re working through that now, honing in on a decision,” Harbaugh said Monday afternoon on the starting quarterback decision, via SNY Giants.
John Harbaugh says the Giants are "honing in" on a QB decision when asked if Jameis Winston will be the starter for their next game pic.twitter.com/UzG817HV2U
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) October 19, 2026
John Harbaugh continues on Giants’ starting quarterback predicament
With the Giants looking to get back in the winning column, the decision of the starting quarterback will be crucial, as Harbaugh would echo the sentiments of the choice coming down to the player that has a “combination” of traits that lead to winning.
“Like every other personnel decision we make, what gives us the best chance to win the football game at this given time,” Harbaugh continued. “Or what combination of players and schemes and things like that gives us the best chance to, in this case, move the ball, score points, protect the football, etc.? So, all the things that help us win.”
At any rate, it remains to be seen who Harbaugh will start between Winston and McCarthy, as the team next takes on the Houston Texans on Sunday, with New York having a 3-2-1 record, putting them first in the NFC East.
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