The New York Giants lost several important players to injury against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday evening. Unfortunately, several of the injuries could be long-lasting, which could force backup players into more prominent roles moving forward. Of course, the most prominent names include Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones, and Kenny Golladay.
While the loss was undoubtedly the biggest negative over the weekend, we can’t help but shift our focus to the health of the players, which are very much in doubt heading into a big Week 6 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
New York Giants injury update:
Daniel Jones: Concussion
After Daniel Jones took a massive hit from Dallas linebacker Jabrill Cox, he proceeded to stand and stumble over his own feet, indicating symptoms of a concussion.
Daniel Jones is in concussion protocol. Giants won’t know much on him until later in week, per Joe Judge.
Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay currently undergoing more tests. “Hopeful dodge a couple bullets” on those, per Judge.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 11, 2021
“I’m not going to get into any medical diagnosis. I saw him in the locker room afterwards right there. Just checked on him,” Judge said after the game. “In terms of where he’ll go next week, I don’t have an answer for you right now. We’ll see where he goes. Obviously we’re all hopeful that he’ll be back and he’ll be healthy.”
It is entirely possible that Jones misses Week 6 against the Rams, giving him an extra week to regain his health and focus after suffering a scary brain injury. While it is possible he makes a return, I wouldn’t expect to see Jones running the football anytime soon, but instead utilizing his arm to avoid lethal contact.
Saquon Barkley: Low ankle sprain
The first player to go down on Sunday was Saquon Barkley, who stepped on the foot of Cowboys DB Jourdan Lewis, rolling his ankle and watching it swell like a balloon. The initial diagnosis is that Barkley has a low ankle sprain that will keep him out for at least two weeks.
Hopefully, there is no structural or significant ligament damage, as anything more serious could hold him out for the majority of the season. Given the fact it is a low ankle issue, we should expect to see Barkley back in about a month, maybe even sooner.
Kadarius Toney: Ankle
Giants’ Rookie receiver Kadarius Toney had a breakout performance against Dallas, catching 10 passes for 189 yards. During the contest, Toney had his ankle rolled up on as he took to the bench in frustration. He returned soon after, playing through significant pain, trying to will his offense forward.
Toney received MRIs on Sunday after the game but was in good spirits on Monday, indicating he would be good to go in the future.
Kadarius Toney asked how his ankle is and if he’ll practice + play this week: “Yeah, I’m good.” Said he’s sticking to plan w/trainers.
In regards to throwing a punch, Toney said it’s a “one-time thing.” Basically rookie mistakes. Knows it’s not boxing, you can’t throw punches.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 11, 2021
Kenny Golladay: Hyperextended knee
Big money free agent receiver Kenny Golladay suffered a hyperextended knee in the first quarter against the Cowboys, and despite trying to play through the injury, he was unable to last for the remainder of the contest. Golladay eventually was pulled after halftime, and given how injury-prone he’s been this year, I wouldn’t expect to see him available against the Rams.
Golladay could miss the next two weeks recovering from this issue, but it is possible he tries to come back sooner and play through the pain after taking a game off against Los Angeles.