Giants Backfield: Harbaugh Confident McCarthy, Skattebo Return for Commanders Match

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh stated on Monday that the team expects to field quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Cam Skattebo for Thursday night's game against the Washington Commanders. Both players have missed time or played limited snaps due to injuries in the Giants' last two contests.

McCarthy sustained a hip pointer during Sunday's 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He exited the game for the majority of the third quarter after taking a hard hit but returned to the field for the final quarter. Harbaugh told reporters on a video call that McCarthy is progressing well and that the staff feels good about his availability, though they will monitor his condition over the next two days.

The Vikings acquired McCarthy earlier this season. He has started the last two games for New York, which defeated the Houston Texans and the Eagles during that span. After Sunday's game, McCarthy said he felt good and noted that while the game is physical, the team is working to ensure he is as close to full health as possible before facing Washington.

Skattebo missed the Eagles game entirely due to a hamstring injury he suffered on one of the final plays of the Giants' overtime win over the Texans before the bye week. He did not practice at all last week and was listed as doubtful for the Philadelphia matchup. Harbaugh said the coaching staff decided not to take the risk of playing him despite his push to do so, citing the short week and some physical limitations.

Devin Singletary started at running back in Skattebo's absence. He rushed for 31 yards on 21 carries. Greg Desrosiers Jr., who was signed from the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad one week prior, recorded the only other carries for New York in that game.

The Giants' rushing attack averaged just 2.6 yards per carry against Philadelphia. McCarthy served as the team's second-leading rusher in that contest, gaining 22 yards on four carries. He was injured on a hit from Eagles linebacker Zack Baun on the second play of the second half. Jameis Winston entered the game and completed a touchdown drive that put New York ahead. Winston finished 6-of-8 for 71 yards and a touchdown, while McCarthy completed 12 of 19 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. McCarthy was sacked five times.

The Giants hold a 5-2-1 record and can extend their lead in the NFC East with another division victory Thursday. They have already defeated the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys and tied the Commanders in their initial meeting this season. The trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and while New York has been linked to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, they recently removed their offer from consideration.