NFL

The Giants were left short under center after Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

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They have taken steps to ameliorate that paucity of options in the weeks since Dart was sidelined, adding a new character — J.J. McCarthy — into the mix.

New York handed Jameis Winston the keys to the offense immediately after Dart was cut down by ligament damage. There’s reason to believe a changing of the guard could be on the horizon.

With that, here’s what you need to know about New York’s QB depth chart.

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Giants QB depth chart

* — Out for season with knee injury

Harbaugh confirmed that Winston will remain at the top of the pile following McCarthy’s acquisition, saying the 32-year-old will be New York’s starter for “as long as I can see into the future.»

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One would have to imagine his leash got shorter, though. It will likely take McCarthy a few weeks to get up to speed with the Giants’ playbook. Winston’s performances have hardly impressed — he has finished with fewer than 120 yards and zero touchdowns in each of his last two outings. Given McCarthy’s pedigree as a former top-10 pick, he seems a likelier candidate to take hold of the reins of Big Blue’s offense towards the end of the season — especially if Winston’s toils continue.

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Renowned for his pocket presence and efficiency in college, McCarthy was expected to find success in Kevin O’Connell’s pro style offense. That didn’t quite come to fruition in Minneapolis. Harbaugh and Co. will be banking on New York’s offensive environment being more conducive to success for the 23-year-old. If so, the rewards could be tantalizing. McCarthy likely doesn’t have enough juice to displace Dart as the franchise’s starting quarterback of the future. But if he were to resurrect his career in the Big Apple, the Giants could attempt to dangle him as a trade chip in 2027, allowing them to recoup a future draft pick.

Winston remains the starter for now. But his erratic play and penchant for turnovers could open up a runway for McCarthy to secure a spot under center before long.

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