With the decision for the New York Giants to go with either J.J. McCarthy or Jameis Winston as the team's starting quarterback, the conversation stems from the 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. While McCarthy's time is seemingly coming for the Giants, this NFL insider discusses when that could be the case.

In the loss to New Orleans, Winston threw for 152 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, leading New York to put McCarthy in the game after trading for him from the Minnesota Vikings in late September.

Coming into the game in the fourth quarter, he showed flashes, throwing for 243 yards with a touchdown and interception, with Ian Rapoport saying to Jeremy Fowler on the NFL Network that they could wait a week because of the Houston Texans' defense.

“I would not expect a decision until the New York Giants really have time to kind of let this breathe and really just figure out the various factors at stake, and one of those factors…they face the Houston Texans' pass rush,” Rapoport said. “They are good. Now, the defense hasn't been quite as stingy as it has in the past, but Will Anderson playing like one of the top players in the NFL, regardless of position. Danielle Hunter is balling as per usual, and that be the situation you would put J.J. McCarthy out in, and while not knowing how up to speed he is on the protections and essentially keeping him out of harm's way.”

Examining how the Giants might play the QB situation (with @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/kyXazISKv8

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 19, 2026

J.J. McCarthy to see “significant snaps” for the Giants

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While McCarthy may not be starting for the Giants on Sunday against the Texans, “significant snaps” are coming for the 23-year-old this season.

“Here's what we learned yesterday in the fourth quarter for the New York Giants. J.J. McCarthy's time is coming. Whether it's this week, whether it's after the bye, we don't know that for sure,” Rapoport said. “J.J. McCarthy is going to play significant snaps for the Giants this season.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen who New York head coach John Harbaugh picks to start Sunday against Houston.