Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
The New York Giants are turning to rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy as a potential starter following a series of injuries and inconsistent performances under center, league sources confirmed Monday. Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo, the former Arizona State star who signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent, has yet to see game action and remains on the bench as the team evaluates its offensive depth chart.
The development comes as the Giants (2-5) prepare for a critical Week 8 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Brian Daboll has not officially named a starter, but multiple reports indicate McCarthy has taken the majority of first-team reps in practice this week, signaling a shift in the team’s quarterback plans.
**Contexto**
McCarthy, selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was traded to the Giants during the offseason in a deal that sent a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2026 selection to Minnesota. The 22-year-old from Michigan was expected to develop behind veteran Daniel Jones, but Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 5, thrusting McCarthy into the spotlight.
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who started the past two games, has been limited in practice with a rib injury, further opening the door for McCarthy. The rookie has appeared in two games this season, completing 12 of 18 passes for 134 yards and one touchdown in mop-up duty.
Skattebo, meanwhile, signed with the Giants in May after going undrafted following a standout collegiate career at Arizona State. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back rushed for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns in his final season with the Sun Devils, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. However, he has been buried on the depth chart behind Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, and rookie Eric Gray, and has not been active for a single game this season.
“Cam has shown great work ethic and versatility in practice, but we have a deep room right now,” running backs coach Jeff Nixon said in a brief statement. “We’re evaluating everyone, and his time will come.”
**Analise**
The Giants’ decision to turn to McCarthy represents both an opportunity and a risk. On one hand, the rookie brings mobility and a strong arm that could revitalize a stagnant offense averaging just 17.4 points per game, 27th in the NFL. His college pedigree — including a national championship at Michigan in 2023 — suggests he can handle pressure, but the jump to NFL starter is steep, especially behind an offensive line that has allowed 22 sacks this season.
For Skattebo, the situation underscores the harsh reality for undrafted rookies in a league where roster spots are scarce. Despite his production at Arizona State, the Giants’ backfield is one of the deepest in the league, with Barkley still playing at an elite level. Skattebo’s best path to playing time may come through special teams or an injury to a teammate, but for now, he remains a practice squad candidate if the Giants decide to free up a roster spot.
The broader trend here is the NFL’s increasing reliance on young quarterbacks. With McCarthy potentially joining a list of rookie starters this season — including C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson — the Giants are betting on upside over experience. If McCarthy succeeds, it could stabilize the franchise for years. If he struggles, the team may be forced to look toward the 2025 draft for a long-term answer.
**Fontes**
- NFL Network: Reports on McCarthy taking first-team reps and Jones’ injury status. - New York Giants official injury report (Week 8). - Arizona State University athletics: Skattebo’s 2023 season statistics. - ESPN: Giants depth chart and roster moves. - Pro Football Reference: Team offensive statistics and sack totals.