Giants QB Decision Expected Before Wednesday: McCarthy or Winston

The Giants are closing in on their QB decision. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the team is expected to make the call before it takes the practice field on Wednesday, putting a firm timeline on the question that has hung over the week.

"The expectation is that a decision will be made before they take the field," Raanan said. The update was shared by Big Blue Film Room on X.

The choice comes down to JJ McCarthy and Jameis Winston. McCarthy came on in relief of Winston against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and nearly led a comeback before the Giants fell 34-27. Our recap of the Giants vs. Saints game has the full picture.

Why the Giants QB Decision Is Coming Now

McCarthy forced the issue with his play on Sunday. He threw for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception in relief, and his teammates took notice. Malik Nabers said, "I think he did a great job," as we covered in Malik Nabers Praises JJ McCarthy's Giants Relief Outing.

The underlying numbers backed up what fans saw. According to PFF, McCarthy led every NFL quarterback in Week 6 in both yards per attempt, at 11.6, and average depth of target, at more than 16 yards. We broke that down in Giants QB JJ McCarthy Led All QBs in Week 6, per PFF.

Outside voices have joined the conversation too. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said, "One thing we know for sure: McCarthy's time is coming," adding that it could happen this week or next, as we covered in Ian Rapoport: JJ McCarthy's Time Is Coming for the Giants. Former coach Jon Gruden was also impressed, saying McCarthy "came in there and ignited the Giants" and adding, "I hope the Giants give him the ball."

Why Wednesday Practice Matters for the Giants

The timing of the decision is important. In a normal NFL game week, Wednesday is the first full practice day, and it is when the game plan for the next opponent starts to get installed. Starting quarterbacks typically take the bulk of the first-team reps, so knowing who the starter is before that session lets the coaching staff build the week around one player.

A decision before Wednesday would give whoever wins the job a full week of preparation with the first-team offense. That matters for timing with receivers, communication with the offensive line and command of the game plan, all of which are sharpened through practice reps.

It also gives clarity to the rest of the roster. Last week, Raanan reported that the Giants' package of plays for McCarthy "isn't going anywhere," with the team using his legs as a change of pace from Winston, a pocket passer. A decision on the starter will shape how that plan looks going forward.

What Comes Next for the Giants at Quarterback

All eyes now turn to head coach John Harbaugh and his staff. Raanan's report makes clear a decision is expected soon, but it does not say which way the Giants are leaning, so the official answer will have to come from the team.

The stakes are real. Despite Sunday's loss, the Giants are 3-2-1 and still sit in first place in the NFC East, with the Houston Texans up next. Whether the Giants stick with Winston or turn to McCarthy, the choice will set the direction of the offense as New York tries to protect its spot atop the division.

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