The New York Giants came back from their Week 14 bye hoping to reset and regroup, but Wednesday’s first full practice didn’t exactly paint a picture of a fully healthy roster. A number of key players were sidelined, including some names the Giants can ill afford to be without down the stretch.
Notably absent from practice were:
- DL D.J. Davidson
- OLB Victor Dimukeje
- P Jamie Gillan
- CB Nic Jones
- DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr.
- WR Gunner Olszewski
- G Greg Van Roten
- OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Let’s start with Thibodeaux, whose status looms large. The second-year edge rusher has already missed three straight games with a shoulder injury, and his absence from Wednesday’s session suggests a fourth could be on the horizon.
That’s a tough blow for a defense that relies heavily on his ability to disrupt plays off the edge. Thibodeaux has been one of the few bright spots in a rocky season, and his availability-or lack thereof-could heavily influence how this defense performs down the stretch.
The special teams unit also took a hit. Punter Jamie Gillan didn’t practice, and the Giants have already moved to address that by signing veteran Cameron Johnston to the practice squad.
That move came shortly after word got out about Gillan’s injury, signaling that the team isn’t expecting a quick turnaround. Johnston brings experience, but any midseason punter switch is bound to come with some growing pains.
Wide receiver and return specialist Gunner Olszewski remains out after taking a brutal helmet-to-helmet shot during a kickoff return in the Week 13 loss to New England. That was a scary moment, and the Giants are understandably being cautious with his return. His absence not only impacts the return game but also leaves the receiver depth chart a little thinner.
On a more positive note, running back Tryone Tracy appears to have dodged a more serious injury. After suffering a hip issue in that same Week 13 game, interim head coach Mike Kafka said Tracy is “good to go.” That’s a boost for a backfield that’s been searching for consistency and playmaking.
Injury updates will continue to roll in, but as of now, the Giants are looking at a roster that’s still very much in flux.
Practice Windows Opening
There was some encouraging news on the injury front. Kafka also announced that the team has opened the 21-day practice windows for offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu and rookie wide receiver Beaux Collins.
Ezeudu has been on injured reserve all season with a calf injury and was designated to return, so this move signals he’s finally trending toward game readiness. When healthy, Ezeudu offers valuable versatility across the offensive line, something the Giants have sorely needed amid a season of shuffling up front.
As for Collins, he’s been out since Week 9 with a neck injury. The rookie flashed some potential before going down, and getting him back into the mix could give the offense a much-needed injection of youth and speed.
Practice Squad Elevation Watch
Paul Dottino of WFAN also highlighted where things stand with practice squad elevations. The Giants have used the maximum three elevations on both linebacker Swayze Bozeman and wide receiver Dalen Cambre. That means if either is going to suit up again this season, the team will need to sign them to the 53-man roster.
Here’s the full list of elevations so far:
- LB Swayze Bozeman - 3 elevations
- WR Dalen Cambre - 3 elevations
- WR Ray-Ray McCloud - 2 elevations
- DT Elijah Chatman - 1 elevation
- S Raheem Layne - 1 elevation
Bozeman and Cambre have each carved out roles when called upon, and the decision to promote them permanently will likely depend on how the injury situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
Bottom Line
The Giants are still very much in recovery mode post-bye, and Wednesday’s practice report reflects that. With several starters and key contributors still sidelined, the coaching staff will have to get creative with rotations and game planning. But there are glimmers of hope too-Tracy’s return, the opening of practice windows for Ezeudu and Collins, and the experience of depth players like Bozeman and Cambre could help stabilize the roster.
As always, the next few days of practice will be critical in determining who’s ready to go this weekend-and who’s still stuck on the mend.