The way it turned out: John Harbaugh spoke to Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy 1-on-1 on Tuesday. Told them the QB plan. He didn't think it was necessary to make a big announcement to the team. Most players learned the news once they started to get into game plan on Wednesday.

J.J. McCarthy is the Giants starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. As a matter of fact, Harbaugh thought it was a pretty obvious move because it was the "right time." Harbaugh met with the QBs 1-on-1 Tuesday. Made no grand announcement Wednesday. Most of the players found out as they went over the game plan. espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/5023…

J.J. McCarthy stayed after practice on Wednesday to get in extra work with his starting receivers, including Malik Nabers. Necessary because, as McCarthy said the other day, he had barely even thrown to Nabers prior to the Saints game.

The secondary and Giants OTs are two areas to watch closely this week. They could be without safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Greg Newsome vs. Texans. Both are in concussion protocol. Did not practice: LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder) S Jevón Holland (concussion) CB Greg Newsome II (concussion) LT Andrew Thomas (groin) RT Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) OT Marcus Mbow (knee)

J.J. McCarthy says he's honored but "not surprised" to be the starting quarterback of the Giants. Feels he's more ready to be a starter than his time in Minnesota. "Experience does wonders," he said.

The Giants are also adding OL Josh Sills from the Colts practice squad.

John Harbaugh: "We will be starting J.J. (McCarthy) in the game" vs. Texans. Jameis Winston will be the backup.

I asked QB coach Brian Callahan on Friday if J.J. McCarthy was ready to handle a full workload, if necessary: “To be fair to him, you definitely would make sure he's got a good solid amount of plays that he feels great about. And there may be some things that he's a little bit newer, too, that you stay away from. But I would say, for the most part, I feel pretty good about him being able to operate a game plan at this point.

Jameis Winston is 2-1-1 as the Giants starter this season. Kind of what you want from your backup-turned-starting QB.

Some notable Giants not at practice on Wednesday: LT Andrew Thomas (groin), RT Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder), CB Greg Newsome (concussion), OT Marcus Mbow (?).

CB Paulson Adebo (knee) had his practice window opened. He was on the field Wednesday and in uniform for the first time since early this season.

The Giants QBs at practice:

This was only a matter of time, especially after the way he played on Sunday vs. Saints. The Giants traded a draft pick for J.J. McCarthy. He's now is in line to make his first start against the Texans.

The Giants off day under Harbaugh is Monday. They work but don't practice on Tuesday.

The #Giants didn't tell the players about a quarterback decision yesterday between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy. They went over film from this past week's game. Would expect it to be addressed this morning at meetings. Practice at 1 pm.

RB Najee Harris and OLB Jihad Ward were released. OLB Trace Ford signed to the active roster. Expecting a practice squad WR to be signed in coming days too. WR Jason Brownlee signed to the practice squad. #Giants

The #Giants newly elected @NFLPA player reps: Shelby Harris (Voting rep) Chris Manhertz Jevon Holland Kayvon Thibodeaux

Najee Harris didn't seem to have much burst. Had four carries for 2 yards vs. Saints,

Jihad Ward struggled Sunday vs Saints. Recently signed off Vikings p-squad.

Jameis Winston vs. J.J. McCarthy pros and cons. espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/5021…