THE STORYLINE:
Whether it matters or not remains to be seen, but the Giants are nearing the end of more physical summer practices than last year. There were two days of joint practices with the Detroit Lions, the starters played an entire half against the Houston Texans, and the Giants just completed a joint practice with the Jets. If the reporters’ instincts are to be trusted, it does not sound like the starters will play against the Jets on Saturday.
Was this reminiscent of the good ‘ole days of two-a-days and playing your starters in at least two preseason games? Of course not. But that’s the world the NFL lives in now. By my count, the Giants have held 18 training camp practices, including the more physical joint practices as well as a few light walk-through practices. For better or worse, (blank) gets real after this last preseason game. The Giants will cut their roster from 91 to 53. Then comes establishing the Practice Squad. Then comes real preparation for the Minnesota Vikings on opening day.
THE INJURY REPORT:
QB Drew Lock (hip/oblique), OG Jon Runyan (shoulder), WR Gunner Olszewski (groin), TE Lawrence Cager (groin), OG Marcus McKethan (unknown), ILB Micah McFadden (groin), ILB Matthew Adams (groin), ILB Dyontae Johnson (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad), CB Tre Herndon (unknown), S Gervarrius Owens (knee), and S Jonathan Sutherland (unknown) did not practice on Thursday and I would not expect them to play. Brian Daboll has already said Lock would only serve as the emergency quarterback.
NEW YORK GIANTS ON OFFENSE:
Quarterback: Barring an injury to Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock will not play. Unless Daboll crosses us up, DeVito may play the entire game. Is he already guaranteed to make the final 53? Or does he need a good game here? I don’t know the answer, but his performance may determine the answer.
