# Giants QB Decision: Winston vs. McCarthy

> Giants coach John Harbaugh must choose between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy for Sunday's start against the Texans.
- Title: Giants QB Decision: Winston vs. McCarthy | Shortify
- Summary: Giants coach John Harbaugh must choose between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy for Sunday's start against the Texans. New York Giants head coach John…
- Keywords: new york giants, jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, john harbaugh, texans, nfl, running back, tyrone tracy jr, cam skattebo, devin singletary, run defense, giant run defense
- Source: New York Giants On SI — https://si.com/nfl/giants/onsi/giants-storylines-texans-qb-decision-run-defense-01m5fft4mhqg
- Published: 2026-10-21T15:11:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york giants, jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, john harbaugh, texans, nfl, running back, tyrone tracy jr, cam skattebo, devin singletary, run defense, giant run defense
## The QB Decision
Head coach John Harbaugh must choose between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy for Sunday's start against the Texans.
## Running Backs in Flux
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the likely candidate to deliver explosive runs after Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris were cut.
## Run Defense Struggles
Giants' run defense allows 5.5 yards per carry with a 72.4% opponent success rate over the last two weeks.
## Tackling Injuries
Andrew Thomas (groin) and Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) are both injured, creating pass rush vulnerabilities.
## Running Back Rotation
The Giants have narrowed their running back rotation to Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary after cutting Najee Harris.
## Special Teams Issues
Giants' special teams have been sloppy, fielding only ten men on plays multiple times.
## Run Defense Breakdown
Giants allow 2.46 rushing yards before contact and 3.09 after contact in recent games.
## QB Decision Timeline
Harbaugh could make the quarterback decision by Wednesday after practice ends.
## Run Defense Impact
The run defense struggles especially when facing the Houston pass rush with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
## Running Backs
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the most explosive option after Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris were cut.
## Injury Concerns
Andrew Thomas (groin) and Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) injuries threaten the Giants' pass rush.
## Run Defense Stats
Giants' run defense allows 5.0 yards per carry this season with a 63.7% opponent success rate.
## QB Decision Impact
The quarterback decision affects the Giants' run defense and pass rush vulnerabilities.
## Run Defense Trend
Giants' run defense has worsened over the last two weeks with 5.5 yards per carry and 72.4% success rate.
## Key takeaway

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh will decide which quarterback starts against the Houston Texans this week.