New York Giants update: Ximines done for year, McKinney, Crowder activated

New York Giants, Oshane Ximines
Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) and Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) in action during the game between the Cowboys and the Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants are expected to gain back several players on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, but one is hitting injured reserve for the rest of the season in an unexpected move. Second-year pass rusher Oshane Ximines had been dealing with a shoulder issue for the majority of the season and was expected to make his return in week 12. However, the Giants announced that he is being placed on season-ending IR after recording just five tackles, three QB hits, and zero sacks this season over four games.

Ximines was expected to have a breakout season alongside Lorenzo Carter on the opposite side of the defensive line. With a stout interior defense, the outside linebacker position was a big question mark, but the Giants have the talent to maximize their efforts. Nonetheless, injuries are part of the game and have subsequently forced out both of their expected starters before the season began.

Big blue made several other moves prior to Sunday’s game against the Bengals.

Per the Giants:

Two rookies – linebacker Tae Crowder and safety Xavier McKinney – were activated from the team’s injured reserve list. Kicker Graham Gano was activated from the Reserve/Covid-19 list. And rookie defensive end Niko Lalos was a standard elevation from the practice squad.

The Giants activated linebacker Tae Crowder and safety Xavier McKinney from the injured list. Crowder, who was the last pick in the 2020 NFL draft, played in five games this season, compiling 18 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown. He didn’t show anything flashy but managed to get the job done in their first victory of the year against Washington. A hamstring injury severely limited his progression afterward, and this will be his first opportunity to see live-action since.
McKinney, who was the highest-rated safety on the board in the draft, fractured his foot early in training camp. He is designated for return, and the Giants will likely ease him into the defense and hopefully get him some reps in week 12.
The Giants also activated Graham Gano from the COVID-19/reserve list and elevated Niko Lalos from the practice squad.