J.J. McCarthy practiced in a New York Giants uniform for the first time on Wednesday, two days after New York acquired the quarterback from the Minnesota Vikings.
Video from the session showed McCarthy in a red No. 18 jersey, taking snaps and working around teammates that included running back Cam Skattebo.
First look at J.J. McCarthy wearing No. 18 at Giants practice pic.twitter.com/WecbH8FQC5
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) September 30, 2026
J.J. McCarthy out at #giants practice today in the No. 18 pic.twitter.com/QRDYqUMAvU
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) September 30, 2026
The 23-year-old had worn No. 9 at Michigan and throughout his Vikings tenure, but that number already belongs to tight end Isaiah Likely. The Giants assigned McCarthy No. 18 after the trade.
That jersey previously belonged to Jake Haener. New York waived Haener on Monday to open
a roster spot for McCarthy, then re-signed him to the practice squad. Haener is now wearing No. 13, the number Odell Beckham Jr. had reclaimed this season before his release.
McCarthy arrived after starter Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. Jameis Winston is expected to start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals while McCarthy works into John Harbaugh’s offense. The 10th overall pick in 2024 completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games with Minnesota.
The first look in Giants colors is only a starting point. McCarthy’s next step is earning a role in a quarterback room that changed quickly over the past week.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: See it: J.J. McCarthy in a New York Giants uniform for first time
