Sports · October 18, 2026
JJ McCarthy steps up as Giants potential starting quarterback while running back Cam Skattebo sits on bench
In a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh made significant personnel shifts, leading to questions regarding the team's starting quarterback and running back rotation. Quarterback Jameis Winston was replaced in the fourth quarter by J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 243 yards and led a late rally. Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo, who has four fumbles this season, saw zero touches and only six snaps despite being active. Harbaugh declined to name a starting quarterback for the upcoming Week 7 game against the Texans and called for one of his four active running backs to "step up" and take control of the backfield.
Read the original coverage
- Fox NewsMainstream
JJ McCarthy steps up as Giants potential starting quarterback while running back Cam Skattebo sits on bench
Read at Fox News ↗ - ESPNSports network
Giants' QB and RB situations left unsettled after home loss to Saints
Read at ESPN ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Giants shouldn’t give up on Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy just yet — with plenty reasons why
Read at New York Post ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Cam Skattebo demotion: Giants RB logs zero touches, responds to apparent benching
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
John Harbaugh challenges Giants' RBs after Cam Skattebo's zero-carry, low-usage game in loss to Saints
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The New York Giants lost to the New Orleans Saints 34-27.
- J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter.
- McCarthy threw for 243 yards during the final 11 minutes of the game.
- Cam Skattebo had zero carries and zero targets despite being active.
- Skattebo has fumbled four times so far this season.
- John Harbaugh declined to commit to Jameis Winston as the starter for the next game immediately following the loss.
- The Giants utilized a four-man running back rotation including Najee Harris, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary.
Reported by only some outlets
- Jameis Winston threw two interceptions before being benched.
- Skattebo played a total of six snaps during the game.
- Skattebo's fumble in the previous week's game against Washington occurred at the 24-yard line.
- J.J. McCarthy was traded to the Giants from the Vikings last month.
Confirmed
- J.J. McCarthy threw for 243 yards in relief of Jameis Winston.
- Cam Skattebo had zero touches in the game against the Saints.
- John Harbaugh has not named a starter for Week 7.
- Skattebo has four fumbles this season.
Reported
- Najee Harris was expected to have a larger role while Skattebo was downgraded based on pre-game reports. (ESPN)
- Skattebo played exactly six snaps during the game. (CBS Sports)
Rumor
- The Giants may be looking at a new starting quarterback for the next game. (Fox News)
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