nbcsports
The NFL has increasingly scheduled Thursday night games, often citing in-game injury data to support player safety when teams have either a full week or just four days between contests. However, this statistical emphasis can obscure a simpler issue: some players injured on Sunday would be ready by the following Sunday but are not ready by Thursday.
For Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the additional three days to recover from a hip pointer sustained on Sunday would be beneficial. As it stands, time is running short before Thursday night's matchup with the Commanders.
Head coach John Harbaugh informed reporters on Monday that McCarthy is doing well and that it does look like he will play on Thursday night. Even if McCarthy does not play, there is strategic value in keeping Washington uncertain about whether McCarthy or Jameis Winston will start.
In either case, Washington would be wise to prepare for both quarterbacks, as McCarthy could aggravate the injury or suffer a new one. That is the reality of relying on McCarthy; his fearless style means he will take hits, and the more hits he takes, the higher the likelihood of injury.
Winston performed well during the brief period McCarthy was in the locker room, presumably for a quick treatment. Winston completed six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown—half of the total passes McCarthy completed in the rest of the game. Ultimately, the Giants secured another win and now stand at 5-2-1, taking control of the NFC East, especially with the Eagles at 2-7, the Commanders at 2-5-1, and the Cowboys at 4-5.
Key Analysis
McCarthy offers a higher floor than Winston, while Winston, when everything clicks, may have a higher ceiling. Winston also seems to perform better when entering a game cold, giving the Giants the best of both worlds as they try to turn a season that seemed lost seven weeks ago into something special.
Originally reported by nbcsports.