NFL

Giants QB J.J. McCarthy vows to be ready for Commanders after hip injury

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 9, 2026, 06:11 IST

New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy insists he will be ready for Thursday's game against Washington after battling through a hip injury during Sunday's 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Giants QB J.J. McCarthy vows to be ready for Commanders after hip injury

New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy has declared himself fit for the upcoming clash against the Washington Commanders after successfully navigating a late-game hip injury during Sunday’s 19-11 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite being forced to the sidelines for a portion of the third quarter, McCarthy returned to finish the contest, albeit while visibly hampered by the ailment.

The injury occurred early in the second half when McCarthy attempted to run to his left on a zone-read play. After gaining three yards, he was met by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who delivered a heavy hit to the quarterback's right hip. McCarthy remained on the turf for several moments before limping off the field, eventually heading to the locker room for further medical evaluation.

Resilience and recovery ahead of short turnaround

Following the game, McCarthy expressed confidence in his recovery, noting the physical demands of the sport and the necessity of a quick turnaround for the team's Thursday night fixture. While he admitted frustration regarding the incident, he emphasized his commitment to protecting himself better in future plays. The quarterback’s return to the field was praised by head coach John Harbaugh and his teammates, who highlighted his competitive spirit and dedication to the squad.

During McCarthy’s absence, backup quarterback Jameis Winston stepped in and provided a critical spark for the Giants. Winston orchestrated a 14-play, 76-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, handing New York a lead they would not surrender. Winston finished the game 6-of-8 for 71 yards, proving his reliability in a high-pressure situation. Although the coaching staff briefly considered keeping the veteran in the game, they ultimately deferred to the medical staff’s clearance of McCarthy.

McCarthy, who was named the starter several weeks ago, struggled to find his rhythm against the Eagles' defense, completing 12-of-19 passes for 127 yards and enduring five sacks. The Giants, now holding a 5-2-1 record, have relied on the former first-round pick to lead their playoff push following an injury-plagued season for the team's quarterback room. As the team prepares for the short week, the focus remains on managing McCarthy’s health to ensure he is as close to full fitness as possible for the upcoming divisional matchup.