Oct 192023
 
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (October 15, 2023)

Wan’Dale Robinson – © USA TODAY Sports

MORE OFFENSIVE LINE ROSTER MOVES…
The Giants had to make more roster moves pertaining to the offensive line on Thursday after it was revealed that Shane Lemieux tore his biceps in practice on Wednesday. The injury-prone Lemieux was placed on Injured Reserve and is likely done for the season. To fill that roster spot, the Giants re-signed Sean Harlow off of the Practice Squad of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants signed Harlow as an unrestricted free agent from the Arizona Cardinals in early August 2023 and waived him four weeks later on cutdown day. The 6’4”, 284-pound Harlow was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He has spent time with the Falcons (2017, 2018-2020), Indianapolis Colts (2018), and Cardinals (2021-2022). Harlow has played in 34 regular-season games with eight starts, five at left guard in 2021 and three at center in 2022 with the Cardinals.

OCTOBER 19, 2023 GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The following three players did not practice on Thursday:

  • OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring)
  • OL OL John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)
  • OL Matt Peart (shoulder)

The following five players were limited in practice:

  • QB Daniel Jones (neck)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (ankle)
  • OL Evan Neal (ankle)
  • CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck)
  • PK Graham Gano (knee)

The following six players fully practiced:

  • RB Gary Brightwell (ankle)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee)
  • OL Mark Glowinski (quad/ankle)
  • DL D.J. Davidson (knee)
  • CB Tre Hawkins (knee)
  • CB Cor’Dale Flott (ankle/shoulder)

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The team practices again on Friday. Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will also address the media.

Jun 292023
 
Andrew Thomas, New York Giants (January 2, 2022)

Andrew Thomas – © USA TODAY Sports

With New York Giants training camp beginning in late July, BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) breaks down each of the team’s positional groups until the players report at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Offensive Line

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: The offensive line was not a disaster in 2022, but it did not play as well as expected or hoped for. While Andrew Thomas continued to develop, becoming one of the best left tackles in the game and earning second-team All-Pro Honors, there was a revolving door at left guard due to injuries, and inconsistent play at center, right guard, and right tackle.

Rookie offensive linemen often struggle, but more was expected from the 7th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Evan Neal, at right tackle. He missed a month with a knee injury and was seen favoring his left arm/shoulder in another game. Neal had issues in pass protection and was flagged with six false starts. He was replaced by Tyre Phillips for those four games. Phillips had issues in pass protection as well. Right guard Mark Glowinski was a bit too up-and-down for his 3-year, $18 million contract. The Giants also signed Jon Feliciano to a 1-year deal in March after he was cut by the Bills. They converted him to center, where he started 15 games. But he was also inconsistent.

The initial plan appeared to be to start Shane Lemieux at left guard, but he missed virtually the entire season with a toe injury that landed him on Injured Reserve twice. Ben Bredeson started the first seven games until a knee injury sidelined him for six games. Joshua Ezeudu started two games at left guard until he suffered a neck injury. Nick Gates then stunned everyone by returning to the starting line-up despite a career-threatening leg injury he suffered in 2021 that required seven surgeries. Including the playoffs, Gates started the last nine games at left guard.

Overall, this group did help the Giants become the NFL’s 4th-best rushing team, averaging 148 yards per game, more than the Eagles. On the other hand, the Giants allowed 49 sacks, which tied them for 5th-worst in the NFL. Daniel Jones was pressured on one-fourth of his drop backs, which was 4th worst in the NFL.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The Giants re-signed Wyatt Davis and Jack Anderson as exclusive rights free agents. They also re-signed Practice Squad players Solomon Kindley, Devery Hamilton, and Korey Cunningham. (Kindley was waived in May).

However, both centers, Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates, somewhat surprisingly departed in free agency. Gates received a 3-year, $16.5 million contract from the Commanders and Feliciano a 1-year, $2.3 million contract from the 49ers.

The offseason additions were few, but one was significant, the drafting of center John Michael Schmitz in the 2nd round of the draft. The team also signed center J. C. Hassenauer from the Steelers. The team did not sign any rookie free agents after the draft at the position.

In short, the Giants stood pat at the position except at center where they exchanged Schmitz and Hassenauer for Gates and Feliciano.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES:  Most of the attention will be on Evan Neal. Some have lowered their expectations on Neal, saying he just has to play at an average level. Teams don’t draft right tackles with the 7th overall pick in hopes they will just be average. Neal is likely to still experience growing pains, but he needs to drastically cut down both pass blocking mistakes and penalties while becoming a stud in the running game. The better Neal becomes, the easier it will be for this team to run and throw the football.

That all said, the same could be said for each of the starters in the interior of the line. The Giants need Glowinski to become a steadier player at right guard. If he doesn’t, it will be interesting to see if Marcus McKethan or one of the other back-ups presses him for playing time. Assuming that John Michael Schmitz will start at center, he will have his hands full in a division loaded with stud defensive tackles. Expect rookie growing pains. The left guard position still is unsettled. The leading candidates are Ben Bredeson and Joshua Ezeudu. I would not discount Shane Lemieux. The now injury-prone lineman was an ironman in college, and had he not been hurt the past two seasons, he would have been the starter at left guard under two different coaching staffs.

One of the unexpected developments this offseason is how much the team stood pat at the position. No new tackles or guards were added to the roster. This at least partially suggests the team was not down on many of the lesser known back-ups. Tyre Phillips (former 3rd round pick), Wyatt Davis (3rd round), Jack Anderson (7th round), Matt Peart (3rd round), Devery Hamilton (undrafted), and Korey Cunningham (7th round) also factor into the competition and someone could surprise.

ON THE BUBBLE: There are currently 15 offensive linemen on the 90-man roster. The Giants will likely keep nine on the 53-man roster. The locks are Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, Josh Ezeudu, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski, and Evan Neal. That leaves nine players fighting for three spots. The leading candidate for the swing tackle is probably Tyre Phillips. Bredeson’s flexibility to play both guard and center helps the team if they feel another guard is better than Hassenauer at center. Marcus McKethan was impressing before he got hurt last summer.

FROM TEAM GENERAL MANAGER/COACHES/PLAYERS: General Manager Joe Schoen on the center position before the draft: “We knew Jon (Feliciano) was on a 1-year contract last year at this time. We didn’t know if Nick Gates was even going to be able to play football again. Heck, we didn’t know that until midway through the season. We had contingency plans in place. We claimed Jack Anderson. He was with us in Buffalo. He’s been working at center. Ben Bredeson is a guy who we are very comfortable with playing center. Shane Lemieux was playing it as well before the injury… We’ll be patient. We’ll continue to look. But we have confidence in Ben Bredeson, Jack Anderson, and Shane.”

Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson on why the Giants offensive line has struggled to form an identity in recent years: “You look at our line, before I got here and even now, it’s different. I’m like the sixth or seventh coach in the last five years. There have been just a line of (players) who have come through here. What we need to do is develop our identity… you need to continue to develop guys… the fans don’t know everything in house. Some of the guys we have on the roster they’ve never seen play. And so they assume they are not good enough, that’s why they haven’t played. Well that’s not necessarily the case… We only have three players that are older than 26 out of the 15. It’s a young room. There’s a lot of potential, a lot of room for growth. I see these guys getting better every day.”

Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson on Evan Neal: “Evan’s a worker. So I have no reason to believe (he won’t improve) with the work ethic put in, the attention to detail, and pushing to be a really good player. We’ll see better results… Now it’s not new to him.”

Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson on Josh Ezeudu: “He’s rehabbed very well from the injury, he’s another year in the system, he’s got confidence in what we’re doing. Some things we decided to work on from a technique standpoint he’s really worked hard at. I’m seeing good results. I expect to see even more when we get to training camp.”

Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson on John Michael Schmitz: “He’s progressing quite well. He’s got all of the intangibles you look for. He’s got all of the physical traits you look for. We’ll find out more when we get to training camp… He’s progressing the right way… It will be an eye-opener for him when he has to block (Dexter Lawrence in training camp).”

Evan Neal on what he did this offseason to improve: “Really just everything. I want to get better across the board. I tweaked my stance. I got a lot healthier. I got a lot more flexible. I worked a lot on flexibility. Just being able to move throughout my lower body and my hips. Making sure that I am in a stance that I am comfortable in, that I can load up my front leg and press out of it and be explosive and also be balanced and under control at the same time… I’ve been doing a whole bunch of yoga.”

Marcus McKethan on his status: “Just trying to get healthy. That’s the main thing of my offseason so far. I’m pretty close, just getting over that final hump and I feel like that I’ll be there. My timeline right now is training camp… I (am still working at) guard and tackle.”

Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson on what Giants fans can realistically expect this year: “You’re going to see an improved offensive line in a number of areas. We are going to start to show an identity and some consistency… I think for the first time in a long time the fans are going to be proud of their lineman… I think we’re going to put a product out there on the field that the fans will have pride in. Because I know the players that are going to put those jerseys on will have pride in that jersey.”

PREDICTIONS/CLOSING THOUGHTS: If you told Giants fans in January that the team would not add any tackles or guards to the roster this offseason, they probably would have freaked out. But the confidence in this front office and coaching staff right now is so high that given that now-known outcome, fans are not now panicking in June. Not adding a tackle or guard in free agency, the draft, or the rookie free agent signing period is pretty telling. It seems to suggest the team wants to develop players already on the roster.

Giants fans are all thinking the same thing… we’re set at left tackle with Andrew Thomas. Now we need Evan Neal to rapidly improve at right tackle and for John Michael Schmitz to show signs he will be a long-term answer at center. There is also hope that the two second-year, North Carolina guards will eventually press for starting roles.

Assuming Schmitz starts at center, the only training camp battle for a starting spot is at left guard. In the spring, Ben Bredeson and Josh Ezeudu were splitting snaps with the first team with Bredeson also receiving first-team snaps at center. Glowinski is probably entrenched as a starter at right guard for at least one more season, unless he falters and someone like Marcus McKethan presses him. I’m in the minority on this, but I still would not count out Shane Lemieux. He started his rookie season. He was set to start in 2021 and 2022 before training camp injuries ruined both seasons. In four years in college as a starter, Lemieux never missed a game. The last two seasons seems like flukes.

Andrew Thomas has not reached his ceiling yet. Keep in mind this is the first offseason he did not have surgery and this is the first time he will have the same offensive line coach for two years in a row.

This brings us to Evan Neal. We all know Neal struggled as a rookie. But too many fans seem to be focused on him and not the interior line spots that were also an issue last year. Neal needs to improve but the team needs better center and guard play just as much. Especially in this division. My prediction is Neal will improve as the year progresses, but he will be nitpicked to death by fans in September and October. That’s OK. I’m old enough to remember Giants fans being sure that Brad Benson, Jumbo Elliott, David Diehl, and Andrew Thomas were crappy players. Neal will be better but I think the real dividends will come in year three and beyond.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, Tyre Phillips, Mark Glowinski, Ben Bredeson, Josh Ezeudu, Marcus McKethan, Shane Lemieux, John Michael Schmitz

Dec 282022
 
Jarrad Davis, New York Jets (December 19, 2021)

Jarrad Davis – © USA TODAY Sports

DECEMBER 28, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
DL Dexter Lawrence (rest day) did not practice on Wednesday.

DL Leonard Williams (neck), OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle), and CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee)  were limited in practice.

GIANTS SIGN JARRAD DAVIS, PLACE SHANE LEMIEUX ON INJURED RESERVE…
The Giants have signed inside linebacker Jarrad Davis to the 53-man roster. Davis was on the Practice Squad of the Detroit Lions. The 28-year old, 6’1”, 242-pound Davis was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Lions. He has spent time with the Lions (2017-2020, 2022) and New York Jets (2021). Davis has played in 67 regular-season games with 50 starts, accumulating 333 tackles, 19 tackles for losses, 10.5 sacks, 10 pass defenses, one interception, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

To make room for Davis, the Giants placed offensive guard Shane Lemieux (toe) on Injured Reserve. Lemieux originally suffered the injury in training camp and was placed on Injured Reserve in late August. The Giants activated him off of Injured Reserve in mid-November. He started in Week 11 against the Lions but could not finish the game and has not practiced or played since.

The Giants drafted Lemieux in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He surprisingly ended up playing in 12 games with nine starts starts at left guard, stealing Will Hernandez’s position. In 2021, Lemieux injured his knee in training camp. He tried to play with the injury in the opener, but could not finish the game and spent the rest of the year on Injured Reserve. In all, Lemieux has only played in two games the past two years, not being able to finish either contest.

Pittsburgh Steelers signed inside linebacker Tae Crowder off of the Giants’ Practice Squad on Tuesday. The Giants had cut Crowder from their 53-man roster and re-signed him to the Practice Squad last week. The Giants selected Crowder in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the Giants, Crowder played in 40 regular-season games with 31 starts, being credited with 232 tackles, two sacks, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Thursday afternoon (12:45-2:45PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Nov 202022
 
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (November 20, 2022)

Daniel Jones – © USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT LIONS 31 – NEW YORK GIANTS 18…
The New York Giants were soundly beaten by the Detroit Lions 31-18 on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the loss, the Giants fall to 7-3. Worse than the loss was a plethora of injuries suffered by New York, including starting cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and Fabian Moreau (ribs), offensive linemen Tyre Phillips (neck) and Jon Feliciano (neck), wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), and safety Jason Pinnock (jaw). An early report indicates that Jackson may miss 3-5 weeks with an MCL sprain. Robinson’s knee injury appeared to be serious.

Some of the overall team statistics were misleading. The Giants out-gained the Lions in first downs (25 to 23), total net yards (413 to 325), and net yards passing (324 to 165). But on a very windy day, the Lions out-rushed the Giants 160 to 89. Most importantly, they won the turnover battle 3 to 0 and were 4-of-5 in red zone efficiency.

The Giants received the ball to start the game, but quickly went three-and-out. On their initial possession, the Lions moved the ball 64 yards in 11 plays, being halted for the only time in the red zone and settling for a 24-yard field goal. The Giants impressively responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Daniel Jones. The Giants converted on a 4th-and-1 near midfield and a 3rd-and-7 on this possession. However, the extra point was missed. Giants 6 – Lions 3.

Detroit punted twice and New York once in the next three possessions. However near the 6-minute mark in the 2nd quarter, Jones threw his first interception since Week 3. The pick was returned 20 yards to the Giants’ 18-yard line. It took the Lions just three plays to regain the lead for good as running back Jamaal Williams scoring from four yards out. Lions 10 – Giants 6.

The Giants continued to self-destruct as running back Gary Brightwell muffed the ensuing kickoff. He recovered but an illegal block by cornerback Nick McCloud moved the ball back to the 6-yard line. New York picked up two first downs and punted. However, Jamie Gillan’s punt traveled only 25 yards. With just 2:19 left on the clock, the Lions were able to drive 68 yards in seven plays with Williams scoring his second rushing touchdown of the game. The half ended with Jones being sacked on 3rd-and-15 near midfield.

At the break, the Lions led 17-6.

Special teams issues continued for the Giants as the second half began. The Lions returned the kickoff 36 yards to their own 44-yard line. Nine plays later, Williams ran for his third touchdown of the game and the rout was on, Lions 24 – Giants 6.

The Giants picked up one first down on their first drive of the second half, but then Jones was intercepted for a second time on 4th-and-5 from the Lions’ 45-yard line. The interception was returned 38 yards to the New York 41-yard line. The New York defense did force a three-and-out, but the Giants were pinned back at their 7-yard line. The Giants gained three first downs, but punted on 4th-and-10 from the Detroit 49-yard line.

Detroit went three-and-out again. The Giants finally responded with their second scoring drive, moving the ball 67 yards in nine plays with running back Matt Breida scoring from three yards out. Jones ran for 15 yards on 4th-and-1 on this drive. However, Graham Gano missed his second extra point. Lions 24 – Giants 12 early in the 4th quarter.

With the New York defense forcing another punt on the ensuing drive, things could have gotten interesting but the Giants gave the ball right back when wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins fumbling the ball away at the New York 33-yard line after a catch. Four plays later, running back D’Andre Swift rushed for Detroit’s fourth rushing touchdown of the game. Lions 31 – Giants 12 with just over six minutes to play.

The Giants made the scoreboard look a tad more respectable by driving 75 yards in six plays. Jones connected with wide receiver Richie James for a 9-yard score. However, tight end Lawrence Cager dropped the 2-point conversion attempt. Lions 31 – Giants 18.

The Lions recovered the onside kick. With 4:19 left in the game, Detroit picked up two first downs and ran out the clock.

Jones finished the game 27-of-44 for 341 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 50 yards on seven carries. Before he left with a knee injury, Robinson led all receivers with nine catches for 100 yards. Running back Saquon Barkley was held to 22 yards on 15 carries (1.5 yards per rush).

The defense allowed 160 yards rushing. They did not sack the quarterback and were credited with only three quarterback hits and three pass defenses. The defense also did not create a turnover.

GAME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are available on YouTube.

ROSTER MOVES, PRACTICE SQUAD ACTIVATIONS, INACTIVES, AND INJURY REPORT…
On Saturday, the Giants activated OG Shane Lemieux from Injured Reserve. Lemieux suffered an unspecified foot or toe injury in the first preseason game and was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of August.

The Giants activated (standard elevation) TE Lawrence Cager from the Practice Squad to the 53-man roster on the same day.

Inactive for the game were TE Daniel Bellinger (eye), RT Evan Neal (knee), WR David Sills, OG Jack Anderson, ILB Austin Calitro, and OLB Quincy Roche.

RT Tyre Phillips (neck), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), CB Fabian Moreau (ribs), OC Jon Feliciano (neck), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), and S Jason Pinnock (jaw) were injured and did not return. According to TheScore, Jackson suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss 3-5 weeks. Robinson was spotted on crutches after the game. Pinnock was taken to the hospital.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Head Coach Brian Daboll and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Head Coach Brian Daboll and select players will address the media by conference call on Monday.

Nov 182022
 
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (November 13, 2022)

Kayvon Thibodeaux – © USA TODAY Sports

NOVEMBER 18, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) and PK Graham Gano (illness) did not practice on Friday. Bellinger has been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Gano is expected to play.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson (hamstring), WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), RT Evan Neal (knee), OG Josh Ezeudu (neck), DL Dexter Lawrence (back), and S Dane Belton (clavicle) were limited in practice. Neal is “doubtful” for the game while, the five other players are “questionable.”

OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (illness) and OLB Jihad Ward (thumb) fully practiced and are expected to play.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available on YouTube:

  • OG Shane Lemieux (Video)

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
There is no media availability to the team on Saturday. The Giants host the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Nov 082022
 
Nick Williams, Azeez Ojulari, and Tae Crowder; New York Giants (October 2, 2022)

Nick Williams, Azeez Ojulari, and Tae Crowder – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS PLACE XAVIER McKINNEY AND NICK WILLIAMS ON INJURY LISTS…
The New York Giants have placed safety Xavier McKinney (hand) on Non-Football Injury Reserve and defensive lineman Nick Williams (bicep) on Injured Reserve. McKinney must miss at least the next four games. McKinney injured his hand in an ATV accident on vacation. “I feel bad for him,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “I feel bad for us. I know he’s disappointed, but can’t do anything about that now.”

When asked if McKinney would return this season, Daboll replied, “We’ll see.”

Williams suffered his bicep injury during the Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Daboll said his injury is season-ending.

SHANE LEMIEUX RETURNS TO PRACTICE…
Offensive lineman Shane Lemieux (foot or toe), who is currently on Injured Reserve, has returned to practice. Lemieux will have up to three weeks to practice with the team without counting against the 53-man roster. Once that timeframe ends, he must either be added to the roster or remain on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season. Lemieux suffered an unspecified foot or toe injury in the first preseason game and was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of August.

AARON ROBINSON UNLIKELY TO RETURN THIS SEASON…
Head Coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday that cornerback Aaron Robinson, who is currently on Injured Reserve, is unlikely to return this season. Robinson injured his knee in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Robinson, a 3rd round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had missed Weeks 2 and 3 after undergoing an appendectomy in mid-September.

GIANTS SIGN DEFENSIVE LINEMAN TO PRACTICE SQUAD…
The Giants have signed defensive lineman Aaron Crawford to the Practice Squad. The 25-year old, 6’1”, 315-pound Crawford was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent most of his rookie season on the team’s Practice Squad and 2021 on Injured Reserve. Crawford suffered a groin injury in the 2022 preseason finale and received settlement when he was released from Injured Reserve in early September.

To make room for Crawford, the team terminated the Practice Squad of cornerback Olaijah Griffin. The 6’0”, 175-pound Griffin was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bills after the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season the Bills’ Practice Squad. The Giants claimed Griffin off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills on in mid-August 2022.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) and RT Evan Neal (knee) did not practice on Tuesday. “(Bellinger is) getting better,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “(He) looks a lot better, too.”

WR Kenny Golladay (knee) and WR Richie James (concussion) were limited in practice.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Tuesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice on Wednesday afternoon (12:45-2:45PM). The coordinators and select players will also address the media.

Aug 312022
 
Jason Pinnock, New York Jets (January 2, 2022)

Jason Pinnock – © USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK GIANTS CLAIM FOUR OFF OF WAIVERS, PLACE THREE ON IR…
The New York Giants claimed the following four players off of waivers on Wednesday:

  • G Jack Anderson (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • CB Justin Layne (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • CB Nick McCloud (Buffalo Bills)
  • S Jason Pinnock (New York Jets)

The 23-year old, 6’4”, 314-pound Anderson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bills. The Eagles signed Anderson off of Buffalo’s Practice Squad in September 2021. He played in two games with one start for Philadelphia. Anderson spent part of the 2021 season on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year old, 6’2”, 192-pound Layne was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Steelers. In three years with Pittsburgh, Layne played in 43 regular-season games with no starts, being credited with 41 tackles.

The 24-year old, 6’0”, 193-pound McCloud was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bills after the 2021 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off of waivers in September 2021 and cut him in November. The Bills then re-signed McCloud to their Practice Squad. McCloud played in two regular-season games with the Bengals.

The 23-year old, 6’0”, 205-pound Pinnock was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets. He played in 12 games with two starts as a rookie, accruing 16 tackles, one pass defense, and two forced fumbles.

When asked about Pinnock, Head Coach Brian Daboll responded, “He’s good on teams. He had some good film out there. He’s played in the deep part of the field. We practiced against them; we played against them. He has some redeeming qualities and traits that when the guys watched him in the scouting department and our coaches, thought it would be a good claim.”

When asked about Anderson, Daboll replied, “He played (both guard and center). Smart – you know he got claimed by Philadelphia (when I was in Buffalo). So, didn’t want to lose him. I remember we didn’t want to lose him, but he had an opportunity to go and get claimed and looking forward to working with him again. He can play inside – either spot – and he can play center too.”

To make immediate room for these four, the Giants terminated the contracts of the following players:

  • TE Tanner Hudson
  • OG Max Garcia
  • DL Nick Williams
  • ILB Austin Calitro

Some or all of these four players may be back as soon as tomorrow. Players on the initial 53-man roster could not be officially placed on short-term Injured Reserve until 4PM on Wednesday. Daboll said on Wednesday that the team intends to place the following three players on short-term Injured Reserve:

  • OG Shane Lemieux (foot)
  • OLB Elerson Smith (ankle/foot)
  • CB Rodarius Williams (ACL)

These three players will have to remain on Injured Reserve for at least four games. “I think there’s a chance (all three could return this season),” said Daboll.

(Lemieux is) pretty resilient,” said Daboll. “Unfortunately, he’s been through it once, but he’s in good spirits. So, he’ll work back. He’s been already rehabbing, and he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

GIANTS SIGN 15 PLAYERS TO THE PRACTICE SQUAD…
The New York Giants have signed the following players to the team’s 16-man Practice Squad:

  • QB Davis Webb
  • RB Jashaun Corbin
  • WR C.J. Board
  • WR Jaylon Moore
  • TE Austin Allen
  • OT Will Holden
  • OT Roy Mbaeteka
  • OT Garrett McGhin
  • DL Ryder Anderson
  • OLB Quincy Roche
  • CB Harrison Hand
  • CB Zyon Gilbert
  • CB Darren Evans
  • S Trenton Thompson
  • S Nate Meadors

All 15 of these players were cut by the Giants yesterday.

Meanwhile, according to multiple media reports, safety Tony Jefferson is expected to be signed to the Practice Squad shortly. The 30-year old, 5’11”, 211-pound Jefferson was originally signed as undrafted rookie free agent by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Cardinals (2013-2016), Ravens (2017-2019, 2021-2022), and San Francisco 49ers (2021). Robinson has played in 104 regular-season games with 66 starts. However, he has not started a game since 2019, when he tore his ACL mid-season. Robinson has only played in six regular-season games since 2019.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

AUGUST 31, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
TE Daniel Bellinger (concussion), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf), and ILB Blake Martinez (excused absence) did not practice.

Day-to-day,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll about Thibodeaux and Ojulari. “Both of those guys – I’d say him and Azeez are rehabbing and doing a good job and getting better each day… They’re getting better. I know that.”

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and on YouTube:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice Thursday (11:45AM-1:15PM). General Manager Joe Schoen, Head Coach Brian Daboll, and select players will also address the media.

Aug 032022
 
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (July 28, 2022)

Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley – © USA TODAY Sports

AUGUST 3, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS TRAINING CAMP REPORT…
The New York Giants held their seventh summer training camp practice on Wednesday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“(We will be working on) first, second down,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “Back with the pads. We’re going to do 9-on-7 today. A run drill. So, defense knows it’s run. Offense knows it’s run. I think that’s important for the guys at the line of scrimmage to compete at that knowing that’s coming.”

INJURY REPORT…
The following players remain on injury lists:

  • Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List: WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles), OC Nick Gates (leg), and OT Matt Peart (knee)
  • Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List: LB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring)

RB Antonio Williams (knee), WR Robert Foster (unknown), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (unknown), RT Matt Gono (unknown), CB Rodarius Williams (returning from ACL), and S Dane Belton (broken left collarbone) did not practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • The Giants practiced in full pads.
  • DL Jalyn Holmes continued to receive first-team snaps and played the run well in 9-on-7 drills.
  • Both Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan continued to see second-team reps at left and right tackle, respectively. Ben Bredeson was the left guard, Jamil Douglas the center, and Max Garcia the right guard.
  • WR Collin Johnson saw some first-team snaps.
  • In 1-on-1 pass rushing drills, OLB Quincy Roche beat RT Evan Neal with a spin move. Neal also was flagged for holding against OLB Kavyon Thibodeaux. ILB Darrian Beavers beat OL Joshua Ezeudu.
  • Also in 1-on-1 pass rushing drills, OC Jon Feliciano was able to handle NT Dexter Lawrence twice.
  • LT Andrew Thomas had no issues blocking OLB Oshane Ximines.
  • DL Leonard Williams remained a problem for those trying to block him. He’s having a strong training camp.
  • DL D.J. Davidson made his presence felt with penetration into the backfield.
  • In 11-on-11 drills, running backs Gary Brightwell and Jashaun Corbin flashed some explosiveness.
  • RB Saquon Barkley made two sharp cuts and showed a burst on a long touchdown run.
  • DL Ryder Anderson blew up a play in the backfield.
  • WR C.J. Board mishandled a perfect deep throw from QB Tyrod Taylor. Board then caught a pass from QB Daniel Jones and picked up big yardage after the catch.
  • QB Tyrod Taylor completed long passes to wide receivers Darius Slayton for a touchdown and Alex Bachman.
  • QB Davis Webb threw a deep touchdown pass to WR Kadarius Toney.
  • In 1-on-1 drills, WR Kenny Golladay scored a long touchdown despite solid coverage from CB Adoree’ Jackson on well-thrown deep ball form QB Daniel Jones.
  • First-team offensive impressed with a long touchdown drive with two QB Daniel Jones completions to WR Kenny Golladay, including one on third down; another 3rd down completion to WR David Sills and then a swing pass to RB Saquon Barkley for a touchdown with WR Wan’Dale Robinson providing a key block. Jones was 6-of-6 on this drive and he finished 9-of-10 for the day with one drop (by Robinson).
  • RB Matt Breida was left all alone on a flat pass. He turned on the jets and raced for a long touchdown with WR Alex Bachman providing a key block.
  • QB Davis Webb found WR Keelan Doss on a deep fade for a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1554852261540597762

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The transcript of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Wednesday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available on YouTube.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
There is no media or public availability to the team on Thursday. The team holds its “Fan Fest” on Friday with an evening practice (6:15-8:30PM) at MetLife Stadium.

Jun 022022
 
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (May 13, 2022)

Brian Daboll – © USA TODAY Sports

JUNE 2, 2022 NEW YORK GIANTS OTA PRACTICE REPORT…
The Giants held their ninth voluntary organized team activity (OTA) practice on Thursday, and third one open to the media. No live contact is permitted during OTAs, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed. The last remaining OTA practice will be held on Friday. A mandatory mini-camp will also be held June 7-9.

Just rolling right along here,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll before practice. “Practice nine. We have another one tomorrow, then we’ll have our mini camp next week. Roll into the summer break. Get ready for training camp in terms of logistics and all those things. So there’s been a lot of meetings relative to that. We’ll have more and try to be set here once next week hits. So go out there and try to have another good practice today.”

INJURY REPORT AND ABSENTEES…
Players wearing red jerseys because of injury issues included WR Kadarius Toney, WR Sterling Shepard, WR Collin Johnson, LT Andrew Thomas, OC Nick Gates, OT Matt Peart, ILB Blake Martinez, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, ILB Cam Brown, ILB T.J. Brunson, CB Aaron Robinson, CB Rodarius Williams, and CB Darren Evans

“The guys are still in red jerseys,” said Head Coach Brian Daboll. “They’re rehabbing. When they’re ready to go, they’ll be ready to go… (Thomas is) doing a good job. Everything we’ve asked him to do rehab-wise, really all the guys, they’re doing what they can do. When they’re ready to go, they’ll be ready to go… I think they’re all at different spots, the guys in red jerseys. Knock on wood, hopefully he’ll be good to go (by training camp).”

WR Kenny Golladay, CB Darnay Holmes, and S Jarren Williams were not spotted at practice.

PRACTICE NOTES…
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • There was a heavier emphasis on 11-on-11 team drills in this practice.
  • First-team offensive line in team drills was LT Joshua Ezeudu, LG Shane Lemieux, OC Jon Feliciano, RG Mark Glowinski, and RT Evan Neal. Ezeudu appeared to have issues at left tackle giving up pressure off of the edge.
  • Daniel Bellinger appeared to receive most of the first-team reps at tight end.
  • The second-team offensive line was LT Korey Cunningham, LG Jamil Douglas, OC Ben Bredeson, RG Marcus McKethan, and RT Matt Gono.
  • The first-team defense usually featured DL Leonard Williams, DL Dexter Lawrence, OLB Azeez Ojulari, ILB Tae Crowder, CB Adoree’ Jackson, S Julian Love, S Xavier McKinney, and S Dane Belton.
  • Rotating in on the first-team defense were DL David Moa, DL Justin Ellis, OLB Elerson Smith, OLB Jihad Ward, ILB Justin Hilliard, ILB Micah McFadden, CB Cor’Dale Flott (slot), CB Michael Jacquet. Flott and Belton in particular saw a lot of first-team snaps.
  • By one account, QB Daniel Jones finished team drills 18-of-24. One of his passes should have been a pick-6 but CB Adoree’ Jackson dropped it. Jones also probably would have been “sacked” three times, including once by DL Leonard Williams.
  • QB Daniel Jones threw three touchdown passes, including to  TE Daniel Bellinger, WR Richie James (corner of end zone during 2-minute drill on 4th down), and WR David Sills on 4th down (who may have stepped out-of-bounds)
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson dropped what should have been a touchdown pass from QB Daniel Jones.
  • QB Daniel Jones’ most frequent target was RB Saquon Barkley, who picked up a sizable gain on a play out of the slot.
  • OLB Niko Lalos picked off QB Davis Webb in the end zone for a defensive touchdown.
  • OLB Elerson Smith had at least two “sacks” and applied consistent pressure.
  • WR Darius Slayton dropped two passes, including a nice deep pass from QB Tyrod Taylor for what should have been a touchdown. Taylor avoided blitzing LB Carter Coughlin on the play.
  • OLB Quincy Roche broke up a pass that he almost intercepted.
  • CB Zyon Gilbert flashed in coverage twice and CB Maurice Canady also broke up one pass.
  • WR Alex Bachman was active catching the ball from QB Davis Webb.

HEAD COACH BRIAN DABOLL…
The  transcript and video of Brian Daboll’s press conference on Thursday are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

Sep 232021
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (December 15, 2019)

Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 NEW YORK GIANTS INJURY REPORT…
The New York Giants practiced on Thursday at Quest Diagnostics Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Giants announced that OG Shane Lemieux, who is currently on Injured Reserve, underwent knee surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Although unlikely, Head Coach Joe Judge did not rule out Lemieux returning to the 53-man roster this season.

Judge was asked if the leg fracture suffered by OC/OG Nick Gates was career-threatening. “I’d be lying, from my perspective, if I said no,” Judge said. “I know there are some comparisons, but they are all different. I know he is receiving the best medical care possible, here, elsewhere, wherever it may be, so we’re confident he’ll be able to come back.”

LB Cam Brown (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday.

RB Saquon Barkley (knee), WR Kenny Golladay (hip), WR Kadarius Toney (ankle), TE Evan Engram (calf), TE Kaden Smith (knee), NT Austin Johnson (illness), S Logan Ryan (hamstring), and S Nate Ebner (quad) were limited in practice.

THE COACHES SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following coaches are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ELI MANNING ADDRESSES THE MEDIA…
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning addressed the media on Thursday in advance of his induction into the team’s “Ring of Honor.” The transcript and video is available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The Giants practice again on Friday (11:30AM-1:15PM). Head Coach Joe Judge and select players will also address the media.