The New York Giants have one extra day on Sunday to prepare for an important Prime Time game against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Kansas City coming off a disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans, they will be looking to bounce back against a Big Blue team that has struggled this season on both sides of the football.
However, the Giants are coming off a win of their own against Carolina, looking to extend their streak and add some much-needed momentum as we approach the second half of the season.
With that being said, the team desperately needs a few essential playmakers to return against the Chiefs, and they are easing their way back into practice this week.
Injury update for the New York Giants:
Kenny Golladay: Hyperextended knee
Big free-agent signing Kenny Golladay missed last week’s contest against the Panthers but expects to be available after suffering a hyperextended knee against Dallas several weeks ago.
If quarterback Daniel Jones can get back one of his best receivers and biggest possession option, it completely changes the strategy for coordinator Jason Garrett.
Saquon Barkley: Low ankle sprain
Star running back Saquon Barkley has had a career plagued with injury, and after suffering a low ankle sprain against Dallas, he has missed the last few weeks in preparation for a potential return.
Head coach Joe Judge stated that several offensive players will log a few practice reps on Friday, which should give us a better idea of how close they are to playing on Monday evening.
Luckily, Barkley escaped with a minor ankle issue despite significant swelling. If he is capable of running and cutting on the injury, the Giants shouldn’t hesitate to utilize him in a game that could change the course of the season.
Kadarius Toney: Ankle
The Giants were pleasantly surprised by receiver Kadarius Toney this season, but an ankle injury has hampered his production as of late. If Toney is healthy enough to play against the Chiefs, he will likely dominate a terrible defense that currently ranks in the bottom six in points allowed per game. At this point, Toney is questionable for the Prime Time contest, but knowing his grit, he will likely give it a go pre-game.
One of Toney’s most essential attributes is his ability to mask deficiencies on the offensive line, getting open quickly in the short portions of the field and making plays with his quick-twitch abilities. They will be needed to extend drives and keep the clock ticking, forcing the Chiefs’ offense to stay on the sidelines.
Sterling Shepard: Hamstring
Sterling Shepard missed last week’s win against Carolina, but he stated on Thursday that barring any setbacks, he will play against Kansas City, giving Jones one of his preferred weapons. At the very least, the Giants can expect to add more players than take away, which provides them with more options.