J.J. McCarthy hits the ground running with New York Giants

It didn’t take long for quarterback J.J. McCarthy to hit the ground running with his new team, the New York Giants, after coming over in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

“I mean, it’s been good to get him here. I’m excited about it,” head coach John Harbaugh told reporters about McCarthy’s arrival on Wednesday. “It’s an opportunity for us to improve our team, one little way maybe. And who knows where it goes or where it doesn’t go.

“But yeah, I’ve seen a guy. I mean, he had a really good practice. Seems like he picked things up we asked him to pick up really well. Was in here late, early. Studying, learning. Has a really good football foundation, all that kind of stuff. And that’s exciting. It’s another good football player at an important position.”

McCarthy will be playing catch-up, taking a crash course in the Giants’ offense with the hope that he can contribute sooner rather than later. For now, he’ll back up Jameis Winston, who himself is still acclimating to his new position.

Winston was asked for his first impression of McCarthy, who was wearing jersey No. 18 on Wednesday.

“I think he’s a good kid, and I’m happy to have anyone that’s my teammate,” Winston said after practice. “Obviously, we share — we won the national championship. We share (that) he got coached by a Harbaugh. I’m getting coached by a Harbaugh right now. We share that — those similarities. But he’s curious. He wants to be great. I think anybody that gets the opportunity to come to a new organization with a fresh start wants to make an impact.

“What I want for myself, I want for everyone. So, if he wants to join the routine, he’s definitely welcome.”

Harbaugh said Winston would be the starter until further notice.

Winston, an 11-year NFL veteran, knows things can change quickly. He said he needs to play his best to stay in the role.

The Giants host the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Winston will get the start, but many eyes will be on this situation over the next few weeks.