The New York Giants on Saturday elevated quarterback Jake Haener from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, a move that keeps him in line to serve as Jameis Winston's backup despite the team's recent trade for JJ McCarthy.
Haener was on New York’s 53-man roster last week before being waived and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. With Jaxson Dart unavailable for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury, Winston has taken over as the Giants' starter. McCarthy, acquired from the Minnesota Vikings earlier this week, is expected to eventually back up Winston but will not fill that role in Week 4.
New York sent Minnesota a 2027 fifth-round pick for McCarthy, the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The quarterback dealt with injuries and inconsistent play during his time with the Vikings. Since joining the Giants, he has spent his time learning the team's playbook, and head coach John Harbaugh said McCarthy was progressing well after his first week with the team.
Article Continues BelowHaener's elevation provides New York with a more immediate option behind Winston. The 27-year-old spent three seasons at Fresno State as a starter and earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors as a senior. The New Orleans Saints selected him 127th overall in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Haener appeared in eight games for the Saints Row in 2024, including one start. He completed 46.2% of his passes for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
For Sunday's game, Haener will back up Winston, while McCarthy is slated to serve as the emergency quarterback. The Giants are scheduled to face the Cardinals at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.