The New York Giants have now lost two key pieces to the COVID-19/reserve list today. News broke this morning of offensive coordinator Jason Garrett testing positive for COVID-19. He will not be available for the Giants on Sunday and instead, tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens will serve as the offensive coordinator/play-caller in this week’s game.
Now, the Giants have lost another member of their team to the COVID-19 list, this time a player. Elite cornerback James Bradberry has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list today, per Ian Rapoport. According to Mike Garafolo, this is unrelated to Jason Garrett’s positive test. Garafolo also reports that Bradberry is a “high-risk close contact” because he was exposed to someone away from the Giants’ facility who has tested positive for COVID-19.
What this means for the Giants on Sunday
James Bradberry has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this season. He leads the NFL in passes defended with 17. James has been reliable for New York’s defense, shutting down nearly every wide receiver he has been tasked with covering. Now, entering Week 15, the Giants are thin at the cornerback position and Bradberry’s absence will be felt.
With Darnay Holmes already injured, the Giants do not have many options left at cornerback. Isaac Yiadom will now be CB1 on the Giants’ depth chart this week. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will have to get extra creative as he pieces together a jigsaw secondary. Expect to see an expanded role for rookie safety Xavier McKinney against Cleveland, as well as some other safeties playing out of position.
As a final remark, everyone at Empire Sports Media and I wish Jason Garrett and James Bradberry speedy and full recoveries.