The silver lining around the Giant’s rash of injuries is that promising reserve players have been thrust into the starting lineup where we can finally see how they match up against true NFL-caliber players.
Unlike the previous two games vs. Cincinnati and New England, the Jets will be playing their first string into the second quarter. As fans, we have a chance to have our optimistic assumptions confirmed, or our hopes dashed as we root on our favorite underdog hopefuls.
Wide Receiver
With CJ Board, Toney, Darius Slayton, and Sterling Shepard having been ruled out or doubtful, David Sills will get to start beside Kenny Golladay and Wan’Dale Robinson. Sills, who has been dominating the opponent’s second and third-team secondaries, now has an opportunity to solidify a roster spot with his height after 6’6 Collin Johnson went down with a season-ending injury last week. Richie James and Alex Bachman will be the first men up to substitute in and at the very least will be playing against better competition than they have seen in the 3rd and 4th quarters of previous games.
Left Guard
Both Shane Lemieux and Joshua Ezeudu are out leaving the likes of Ben Bredesen or Devery Hamilton to face the formidable defensive front of the Jets. Both players filled in admirably vs. the Bengals but are they truly the surprise depth we hope them to be?
Linebacker
Oshane Ximines and Quincy Roche have shown well enough to prove they don’t belong playing against third and fourth stringers and now get to start on the outside against the Jets. The best part of this situation is that it’s only minor injuries that have the starting edge players sidelined. Will these two get extended time or will Tommon Fox who flashed from the bottom of the depth charts with a game sealing forced fumble last week, enter before the half?
Darrian Beavers was starting next to Blake Martinez until he also went down with a season ending injury. Will that open the door for Tae Crowder to return in the middle or will preseason tackle leader Micah McFadden get the start?
Waiver Wire
This final preseason game will be the last time we see many of these players in action if on the team at all. Depth among the secondary and at tight end is lacking at best. While the back up offensive linemen have given us some hope thus far but if they don’t show up vs the Jets we should expect a fair amount of turnover after the final round of cuts.
Just like the draft the Giants hold the fifth position on the waiver wire. Every player with less than four years experience who gets cut only has to pass the through the Jaguars, Lions, Texans, and Jets before the Giants have an option of picking them up. Unfortunately the Giants greatest needs at corner and offensive line depth are typically the same needs of most teams.
