Giants QB and RB both expected to start Thursday night

New York Giants fans can expect their starting quarterback and leading running back to take the field this week. Coach John Harbaugh indicated on Monday that J.J. McCarthy and Cam Skattebo are likely to play against the Washington Commanders on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.

McCarthy suffered a hip pointer during the second quarter of Sunday's 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He left the game after taking a hard hit from linebacker Zack Baun but returned for the final period. Harbaugh told reporters on a video call that McCarthy is recovering well and the team feels good about his availability, though he wants to wait for the next couple of days to confirm fully.

Skattebo missed Sunday's contest due to a hamstring injury sustained in the overtime win over the Houston Texans. He practiced less than usual last week and was listed as doubtful for the Eagles game. Harbaugh explained that the coaching staff decided not to risk the player's health during a short week. He expects Skattebo to be fully ready for Thursday's match.

The Giants currently hold a 5-2-1 record and have won their last two games under McCarthy. The quarterback, acquired from the Minnesota Vikings, completed 12 of 19 passes for 127 yards against Philadelphia. He was sacked five times and rushed for 22 yards on four attempts. His injury forced backup Jameis Winston to enter the game, who completed six of eight passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.

With Skattebo out, Devin Singletary started and carried the ball 21 times for 31 yards. Greg Desrosiers Jr., signed from the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad one week ago, also saw carries. The team's rushing average dropped to 2.6 yards per carry against the Eagles. The Giants have had discussions with the Indianapolis Colts regarding running back Jonathan Taylor, but they recently removed their offer from the table.

The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. New York may still attempt to strengthen its running back room before the Commanders arrive. A win on Thursday would extend their lead in the NFC East division, where they have already beaten the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys and tied Washington in their first meeting.