Sources: Third-round pick Aaron Robinson had core muscle surgery late in the spring. The young CB hasn't been on the field practicing yet at training camp, but has been making progress. This kind of procedure usually involves a six-week recovery timetable. Robinson shouldn't be far off.
Which under-27 players drafted in the third round or later are ready for a big role this season? We run down the top names to watch.
The New York Giants are signing former Dallas Cowboys center Joe Looney, a source told ESPN's Jordan Raanan.
Second-year tackle Matt Peart (back) passed his physical and will return to practice. He is the front runner to start at right tackle this season.
The Giants signed veteran LB Todd Davis. He has started 69 career games for the Saints, Broncos and Vikings. Giants have been shorthanded at ILB with Blake Martinez on the Covid list and Reggie Ragland (hamstring) on NFI. Tae Crowder and Carter Coughlin have been running as the ILBs with the first-string defense.
Saw Saquon Barkley running routes, cutting hard and sprinting full speed on Thursday. Coach Joe Judge said he's "very pleased" with where he's at. He added that Barkley is at the point where he is "mirroring our practices" to build up confidence for when he returns.
The Giants practice Saturday will be in Newark, NJ as part of the NFL's "Back Together Saturday" initiative. It is not open to the public, but local HS, Pop Warner and youth programs will be in attendance. Coach Joe Judge explained that it's "important" to get out in the community and do this, in part, because not everyone gets the opportunity to go to games.
Some players on the active roster who worked out on the side Friday (injuries + returning from Covid list): WR Kadarius Toney (Covid) OL Shane Lemieux (knee) OLB Lorenzo Carter (N/A) WR Derrick Dillon (N/A) OLB Elerson Smith (N/A) Did not practice: OL Chad Slade (personal)
Worst case seems to have been avoided on this Shane Lemieux knee injury, per source. Sigh of relief for Giants and their offensive line. Lemieux, a projected starter at left guard, will undergo further evaluation over next few days but it's not believed to be season-ending. Coach Joe Judge says they will know more in the next 24-48 hours.
The second-year coach says his emphasis on running helps limit injuries, and his players say they felt the benefits late in games last season.
The Giants are expected to re-sign RB Alfred Morris early next week, per source. The veteran RB averaged 4.3 ypc last season in nine games. Extra insurance with Saquon Barkley (knee) still uncertain for Week 1.
Kelvin Benjamin, who was released Wednesday before the first practice of Giants training camp, said he thought coach Joe Judge was doing everything to "kind of sabotage the situation."
While in-person interviews (socially distanced) were back, Giants training camp still wasn't completely normal, especially for unvaccinated players. And there were plenty! They had to wear a special mouth shield over their helmet, masks once their helmets were of and even eat outdoors. NFL clearly has made life inconvenient for unvaccinated.
Kelvin Benjamin, the former receiver who was trying to make a comeback as a tight end, was cut just prior to his first training camp practice with the Giants. He last played in the NFL during the 2018 season.
Offseason additions have created interesting position battles among the pass-catchers and outside linebackers in coach Joe Judge's second season.
The Giants made some big offseason additions to improve their roster, but to contend they need their quarterback to make major progress in Year 3.
Giants moves on report day: WR Kadarius Toney activated from reserve/Covid-19 list LB Blake Martinez and DB Josh Kalu placed on reserve/Covid-19 list LB Reggie Ragland (hamstring) placed on Non-Football Injury (NFI) list
Sterling Shepard: "I love the slot. It's where I feel super-comfortable." Think this will be beneficial for him. (Note: He expects to bounce around inside and outside.)
As he begins Year 2 as Giants coach, Joe Judge is taking a patient approach to the recovery of star running back Saquon Barkley, looking more at the "long term" instead of rushing him back to the field.
Let's take a step back and evaluate the biggest player and pick swaps from the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Superstar wideouts Michael Thomas and Davante Adams both have big news to discuss
Giants players that will start on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It means they're not ready to practice because of football injuries. RB Saquon Barkley TE Kyle Rudolph C Jonotthan Harrison OT Matt Peart CB Aaron Robinson OLB Oshane Ximines
Giants first-round draft pick Kadarius Toney was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday after the rookie receiver tested positive for the coronavirus.
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 335 | 329 |
| New York | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 280 | 357 |
| Dallas | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 395 | 473 |
| Philadelphia | 4 | 11 | 1 | .281 | 334 | 418 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(20) | Kadarius Toney | WR | Florida |
| 2(18) | Azeez Ojulari | OLB | Georgia |
| 3(7) | Aaron Robinson | CB | UCF |
| 4(11) | Elerson Smith | OLB | Northern Iowa |
| 6(12) | Gary Brightwell | RB | Arizona |
| 6(17) | Rodarius Williams | CB | Oklahoma State |
