As the NFL season hits its stride in early October 2026, the New York Giants are wasting no time integrating their newest weapon. Acquired just days before their Week 4 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback J.J. McCarthy is already on the verge of leapfrogging Jake Haener for the backup role behind starter Jameis Winston. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that McCarthy could be elevated to the No. 2 spot in time for this Sunday’s NFC East showdown with the Washington Commanders. “I think that’s a possibility, we’ll see how it goes during the week,” Harbaugh told reporters. “That’s definitely on the table.”
A Rapid Ascension in the Big Apple
McCarthy, the former Michigan standout and 2024 first-round pick, was inactive for the Vikings’ first three games before being shipped to New York for a 2027 fifth-round pick. In his Giants debut, he stood on the sideline as the emergency third quarterback, watching Winston carve up the Cardinals for three touchdowns in a 36-24 victory. While Harbaugh hinted that a few packages were designed for McCarthy, the game flow never allowed for his insertion. Now, with a full week of practice under his belt, the 23-year-old is poised to take a significant step forward.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Giants’ coaching staff is enamored with McCarthy’s arm talent and mobility, traits that could provide a spark if Winston falters. However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. McCarthy must digest a complex offense quickly, and the Giants are balancing urgency with prudence. “We’re going to turn over every stone,” Harbaugh added, emphasizing that the team is exploring all options to optimize the quarterback room.
Special Teams Shakeup: Berrios Out, Jones In
The Giants’ Week 4 win came at a cost. Primary return specialist Braxton Berrios suffered a foot/ankle injury and is likely headed to injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games. In his absence, the team is turning to Charlie Jones, who was signed off the practice squad just last week after the release of veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Jones, 27, wasted no time making an impact, fielding two kickoffs and two punts in his Giants debut. “Our first look would be internally,” Harbaugh said. “I’m sure we’ll turn over every stone too, but sometimes the best stones are right under your feet.”
Jones brings a wealth of experience from his three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he amassed 47 kickoff returns, 50 punt returns, and three touchdowns in 33 games. A 2023 fourth-round pick out of Purdue, Jones caught 110 passes in 2022 and possesses the versatility to contribute on offense if needed. The Giants also have returner Dalen Cambre on the practice squad, but Jones appears to have the inside track. As highlighted on Vulius, Berrios’s absence is a blow to a special teams unit that has been reliable, but Jones’s track record suggests he’s ready for the opportunity.
Hudson Shines in First Start, Creates O-Line Dilemma
Rookie center Bryan Hudson made his first NFL start one to remember. Filling in for John Michael Schmitz Jr., who missed practice time for the birth of his first child, Hudson played every snap, allowed just one pressure, and posted a 91.3 pass block win rate, per NextGen Stats—ranking 12th among 30 centers who played in Week 4. His performance helped stabilize an offensive line that has been inconsistent at times. After the game, Harbaugh called Hudson’s start “not a long-term thing,” but a day later, he softened his stance. “We’ll see. I’ll say Huddy played really well and we were excited about him going in. Maybe it creates some options for us, but JMS was playing really well too. Very good problem to have, I guess you could say, if that’s what you want to call it.”
As the Giants prepare for the Commanders, the quarterback and center positions bear watching. McCarthy’s potential promotion and Hudson’s emergence are storylines that could shape New York’s season. For now, the focus remains on Washington, a divisional foe that always brings out the best in Big Blue. With Winston under center and a revamped supporting cast, the Giants aim to build on their 3-1 start and assert themselves in the NFC East.
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates, analysis, and exclusive merchandise as the season unfolds.
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