New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to Sunday's Week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles after a brief exit for a hip injury evaluation. McCarthy took a hard hit to his lower abdomen on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter, with Eagles linebacker Zack Baun leading with his helmet on the tackle. McCarthy visited the sideline medical tent and the locker room, grabbing his side in obvious pain after attempting to throw, but was able to re-enter the game just before the quarter ended.
Before his exit, McCarthy had completed 9 of 13 passes for 101 yards and rushed three times for 11 yards. The Giants had managed only six points on offense during his start. Backup Jameis Winston, who started four games earlier this season before McCarthy took over, replaced him and led a touchdown drive. Winston posted a 2-1-1 record in his four starts, including a 326-yard performance in a tie with the Washington Commanders and a 250-yard outing in a win the previous week.
The Giants acquired McCarthy as a potential season-long solution after losing Jaxson Dart for the year with torn knee ligaments in Week 2. McCarthy showed promise in relief during a Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints and in his first start the following week, giving New York confidence they could maintain their NFC East lead. While Winston has been serviceable, his inconsistency has limited his ability to command an offense as a full-time starter.
