The Giants were back at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center on Monday and, after a Sunday off day, they got right back into a long one. The practice stretched close to three hours, and by the time it was over, the injury list had already started to take shape.
The roster churn kept going at the bottom end, too. New York officially signed DB JT Woods and released defensive lineman Sam Roberts.
The biggest concern out of the day was Abdul Carter, who was not practicing and was seen in sweats watching from the sideline. Afterward, John Harbaugh told reporters Carter is “fine” and could return to practice Tuesday. Harbaugh also confirmed that Schmitz has a concussion.
A couple of other players were limited to work with trainers during the session. CB Dru Phillips and CB Greg Newsome II both dealt with knee issues and were working off to the side.
Then came the new stuff. Several Giants picked up what the team is hoping are only minor injuries during a demanding 2 hour, 50 minute practice.
QB Jaxson Dart rolled his ankle early but stayed in the action and didn’t miss any reps. Duggan reported that Dart was able to run a bootleg rollout, though he was also seen walking with a slight limp.
OG Francis Mauigoa was checked by trainers late in practice after dealing with a head/neck issue, but he finished the final period. Harbaugh said he didn’t know the outcome of that check and expects to learn more tomorrow.
DL Chauncey Golston also had a scare after hitting his head on the turf. And WR Jalin Hyatt came up with a lower leg injury late in the day - Duggan reported ankle, while Pat Leonard reported knee - and practice was called after that.
There was at least one encouraging sign for Malik Nabers. Duggan reported that he continued doing individual work and running routes against air early in practice. He still hasn’t gotten into one-on-ones or team periods, but simply handling that workload is a step in the right direction as he pushes toward Week 1.
The defense also had a notable takeaway when pressure forced Dart into trouble. Duggan reported that Ar’Darius Washington tipped a Dart pass while blitzing, which turned into a tip-drill interception for Darius Alexander. Alexander, who had already come down with an interception back in West Virginia, took this one all the way back for a touchdown.
Dart also showed a little more caution with his legs. Jordan Raanan reported that he is working on becoming a more discerning runner, and that showed up on a live third-down play near the sideline when Dart slid after picking up a run. The defense on that sideline cheered the slide.
And on offense, Darius Slayton kept building on what has been a steadier camp. After last year’s big contract and an offseason surgery to repair a double sports hernia, he hadn’t really clicked with Dart early. That appears to be changing, with Slayton starting to find his rhythm and developing better chemistry with the young quarterback.
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