Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
The New York Giants are reportedly turning to rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy as their potential starter for the upcoming weeks, a move that signals a significant shift in the team’s offensive strategy. Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo, who joined the roster during the offseason, remains on the bench, raising questions about the Giants’ backfield depth and their long-term plans at the position. Sources close to the organization confirmed that McCarthy has been taking increased first-team reps in practice, and team officials are evaluating whether he can provide the spark needed to turn around a struggling offense.
**Context**
JJ McCarthy, selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, was initially expected to spend his rookie season developing behind a veteran starter. However, inconsistent quarterback play and injuries have accelerated his timeline. McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to a national championship appearance and was known for his poise under pressure, has drawn praise from coaches for his quick decision-making and arm strength in limited preseason action. The Giants, currently sitting at a sub-.500 record midway through the season, have been searching for stability under center after a series of turnovers and missed opportunities plagued their offense.
Cam Skattebo, a running back who emerged as a standout at Arizona State University, signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent in May 2024. Known for his physical running style and ability to break tackles, Skattebo generated buzz during training camp and the preseason, where he averaged over 4.5 yards per carry. Despite his strong performances, he has been a healthy scratch in recent games, with the coaching staff opting to rely on a more established backfield committee. The decision to keep Skattebo on the bench has puzzled analysts, especially given the Giants’ struggles to establish a consistent ground game. According to team insiders, the coaching staff is weighing roster flexibility and special teams contributions, which may have limited Skattebo’s opportunities.
**Analise**
Elevating JJ McCarthy to a starting role represents a calculated gamble by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. The move is not only about the present—attempting to salvage a season that is slipping away—but also about the future. By giving McCarthy real-game experience now, the organization can better evaluate whether he is the franchise quarterback they envisioned when they drafted him. If McCarthy performs well, it could solidify the quarterback position for years and allow the Giants to allocate resources elsewhere in the offseason. Conversely, if he struggles, the team may face difficult decisions about whether to pursue a veteran option in free agency or the draft.
The benching of Cam Skattebo, however, highlights a growing tension between player performance and roster construction. While the Giants’ current backfield—featuring a veteran starter and a change-of-pace back—has not produced explosive plays, Skattebo’s downhill running style could provide a complementary element that the offense currently lacks. His continued absence suggests that the coaching staff may be prioritizing pass protection and route-running reliability over raw rushing ability. In a league where running backs are increasingly devalued, Skattebo’s situation mirrors that of other undrafted players who have had to wait for opportunities. If McCarthy does take over as starter, a more dynamic running game could help ease the pressure on the rookie quarterback, making Skattebo’s eventual activation a strategic possibility later in the season.
**Fontes**
This report is based on information from the following sources: official New York Giants depth charts published by the team, statements from head coach Brian Daboll during press conferences, analysis from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on the team’s quarterback situation, and roster transaction reports from the NFL’s official communications. Additional context on Cam Skattebo’s preseason performance was sourced from Arizona State University athletics records and Pro Football Focus scouting reports. No direct quotes or exclusive interviews were used beyond what has been publicly reported.