Giants expect McCarthy and Skattebo to start against Commanders

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh stated on Monday that the team expects to have quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Cam Skattebo available for Thursday night's game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Both players are recovering from injuries sustained in recent matchups.

McCarthy suffered a hip pointer during Sunday's 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He left the field for most of the third quarter after taking a hard hit from Eagles middle linebacker Zack Baun but returned to finish the game. Harbaugh told reporters on a video call that McCarthy is doing well and that the team feels good about his availability, though he noted they will monitor him over the next few days. "I feel good," McCarthy said, adding that the team will work to get as close to 100 percent as possible before facing Washington.

Skattebo missed the entire Eagles game with a hamstring injury. He originally hurt the muscle on one of the final plays of the Giants' overtime win against the Houston Texans. Although he was listed as doubtful and pushed to play, Harbaugh held him out to avoid further risk. The coach said Skattebo should be full speed on Thursday.

In Skattebo's absence, Devin Singletary started and rushed for 31 yards on 21 carries. Greg Desrosiers Jr., signed from the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad a week prior, also received carries. The Giants' rushing attack averaged just 2.6 yards per carry against Philadelphia. McCarthy was the team's second-leading rusher in that game with 22 yards on four carries.

McCarthy, acquired from the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season, has started two games for New York, which have resulted in wins. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 127 yards without a touchdown or interception in Sunday's loss, though he was sacked five times. Jameis Winston entered the game and led the touchdown drive that secured the win. Winston finished 6-of-8 for 71 yards with a touchdown.

The Giants sit at 5-2-1 with a chance to extend their lead in the NFC East. They have defeated the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys and tied the Commanders in their first meeting this season. The NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. New York has been linked to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor but recently declined the offer. The team could still make moves to strengthen its backfield before Thursday.