The New York Giants begin their preseason Saturday at MetLife Stadium, and the biggest question hanging over the opener is how much of the real thing fans will actually get to see. Quarterback Jaxson Dart and other Giants starters are likely to play at least a bit in the 1 p.m. ET matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Head coach John Harbaugh kept things close to the vest when asked about playing time earlier in the week. He wouldn’t say whether the starters would suit up, instead making the mystery part of the fun.
“You’ll see when the game comes,” he said. “It’ll make the speculations so much more fun, if you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen.”
For the Giants, this first preseason game is less about the scoreboard and more about getting a first live read on where things stand after training camp. The offense will be under the microscope as it works through a new system with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and that makes every snap worth watching.
There are a few other key spots to keep an eye on. The wide receiver group will get its first chance to separate itself in game action.
The defensive line battle remains crowded, and Saturday offers an early stage for someone to make a dent in the competition. Tae Banks will try to keep building on a strong camp, while the kicking battle between Dominic Zvada and Ben Sauls will also be in view.
This also serves as the first benchmark for the Giants as they move toward next week’s game against the Miami Dolphins. It’s the start of preseason work, but it’s also the first time the coaching staff gets to evaluate the team against another opponent instead of practice reps across the line.
The Giants enter with a 90-man roster, so there will be plenty of unfamiliar names and numbers on the field. That only adds to the value of the opener, where the staff can start sorting through who looks ready and who still has ground to make up.
Saturday’s game also opens the door to a bigger roster conversation. There are spots to win, decisions to make, and plenty of players trying to turn preseason reps into real momentum before the regular-season opener on September 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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