The Giants may have taken some hard hits already this season, but heading into Week 5, they might be the healthier side in a game that matters in the NFC East.
That’s the twist in Sunday’s matchup with Washington. New York has been through plenty, including season-ending losses for Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns, but the Commanders are the team carrying the heavier injury load right now. And even with Jayden Daniels trending toward a return, Washington’s receiver room could be stripped down in a hurry.
Daniels was a full participant in Commanders practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. Unless something changes over the weekend, he should be back on the field for the first time since injuring his elbow in Week 2.
The bigger problem is who may not be out there with him. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, Washington’s top two receivers, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
McLaurin got in a limited session on Friday, but Diggs did not. Both are dealing with hamstring injuries.
If both receivers are sidelined, the Commanders would be looking at Dyami Brown, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, and Luke McCaffrey as their healthy options at wideout.
New York has its own injury concerns. Braxton Berrios is now expected to miss the season because of a foot injury. Chauncey Golston’s neck issue could leave the Giants thin on the edge, and Jason Pinnock is working through a concussion.
Still, when it comes to the fresh damage on the report, the edge belongs to the Giants.
That matters because New York’s secondary has been uneven this season. The pass defense has been average in most areas and has struggled badly against the most efficient passing attacks it has seen.
But if McLaurin and Diggs are unavailable, the Giants should have a real chance to take over on the back end. Deonte Banks, who was a full participant in practice this week, and Greg Newsome II can match up with Brown and Burks on the outside, while Dru Phillips handles Williams in the slot.
If the Giants can also slow Washington’s rushing game, which has not been especially efficient this year, they can put this one away early.
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