J.J. McCarthy makes New York Giants debut in Week 5. See his stats

In Week 5, J.J. McCarthy made his debut with the New York Giants in a game against the Washington Commanders. This marked his first time playing as a Giant, as he joined the team in a late September trade. Jameis Winston, the starting quarterback, played most of the snaps in his fourth appearance and third start of the season following an injury to Jaxson Dart in Week 2.

McCarthy entered the matchup as the primary backup quarterback to Winston. Additionally, Jake Haener from the practice squad was also available for the game, listed as the emergency third quarterback on the Giants' inactive list.

During the first three and a half quarters, McCarthy played four snaps for the Giants. He attempted two passes and two runs, but both passes were negated by penalties, resulting in no official passing attempts or completions in the box score. His rushing attempts resulted in two yards.

The only pass attempt of McCarthy's that was successfully completed was a short throw to Darnell Mooney, which was nullified by a face mask penalty from Washington's defense. His second pass attempt was to third-year receiver Malik Nabers, who gained a first down with his legs, but it was also nullified by a penalty.

The Giants' illegal shift resulted in another penalty against them. McCarthy's first pass attempt as a Giant was completed but did not count due to the illegal shift flag on the play.