Giants Expect McCarthy and Skattebo Available for Thursday Night

McCarthy expected to play despite hip injury

The New York Giants expect quarterback J.J. McCarthy to start on Thursday night when they host the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. McCarthy suffered a hip pointer during Sunday's 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eagles middle linebacker Zack Baun hit McCarthy on the second play of the second half. McCarthy missed most of the third quarter, but returned to help New York close out the contest. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston filled in during his absence, completing 6 of 8 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown pass. That drive produced New York's only touchdown of the game.

Giants coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that McCarthy is doing well. Harbaugh stated that it looks like McCarthy will play and that he feels fairly good about it, though he noted he did not want to get ahead of himself. McCarthy completed 12 of 19 passes for 127 yards while taking five sacks. He was also the team's second leading rusher with 22 yards on four carries. It would be his third start for New York since being acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy said after the game that he feels good and expects to do whatever he can to be close to 100 percent for Washington.

Skattebo returns to boost the rushing attack

Running back Cam Skattebo is also expected to play on Thursday night. Skattebo hurt his hamstring on one of the final plays of New York's overtime victory over the Houston Texans before their bye week. He did not practice last week and was listed as doubtful for the Philadelphia game. Harbaugh explained that the team chose not to risk him on a short week, but added that Skattebo should be full go on Thursday.

Having Skattebo back should aid a rushing attack that averaged just 2.6 yards per carry against the Eagles. Devin Singletary started in place of Skattebo, rushing for 31 yards on 21 carries. Greg Desrosiers Jr., who was signed off the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad a week earlier, was the only other running back to record carries.

The Giants have been linked to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, but recently took their offer off the table ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline at 4 p.m. EST. New York holds a 5-2-1 record, with wins over Philadelphia and Dallas, plus a tie against Washington in their earlier matchup.

What it means for the next game

Washington Commanders at New York Giants (NFL, Fri, 13 Nov): New York Giants win 50%, Washington Commanders win 50%; projected score New York Giants 23, Washington Commanders 20. Our safest pick: Giants +5.5.