New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles after being evaluated for a hip injury that forced him to the sideline medical tent and locker room.
McCarthy took a hard hit to his lower abdomen on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun led with his helmet while attempting to stop McCarthy's run, making contact with McCarthy's side. McCarthy attempted to throw on the sideline before heading to the locker room in obvious pain, grabbing at his side and falling to the turf as medical staff assisted him.
With McCarthy initially deemed questionable, the Giants turned to Jameis Winston, who had started four games before McCarthy replaced him atop the depth chart. Winston led a touchdown drive before McCarthy returned to the field just before the end of the quarter.
Before his brief exit, McCarthy was 9-for-13 for 101 passing yards and ran three times for 11 yards. The Giants had scored only six points during his Week 9 start.
The Giants lead the NFC East and acquired McCarthy as a potential season-long solution after losing Jaxson Dart for the year due to torn knee ligaments suffered in Week 2. McCarthy's effectiveness upon insertion in Week 6 and his first start the following week gave the team confidence they could maintain their division lead.
Winston has been serviceable, going 2-1-1 in his four starts with a 326-yard performance in a tie with the Washington Commanders and a 250-yard outing in a victory the previous week. However, his lack of consistency has long limited his ability to command an offense as a starter.
