The rising 5-8 New York Giants will bring their talents home on Sunday against the defensively stout Tennessee Titans, but several injuries might force Big Blue to alter their game plans.
Who’s in and who’s out for the New York Giants?
In week 14, the Giants were without star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was out with a quad bruise. He participated in a limited fashion during practice on Wednesday, despite having irritation to the area. His loss wasn’t felt last week as the Giants routed the Washington Redskins 40-16 in one of the more impressive victories we’ve seen in the past few years.
As the team gains momentum heading into a must-win game, they will need every bit of talent on the field, especially when it comes to their star wideout. Beckham has amassed 1052 yards and six total touchdowns this season so far. Coming off a devastating ankle injury last season, he’s averaging half as many scores as he recorded between 2014-2016. Establishing himself within head coach Pat Shurmur’s offensive scheme has taken some time, but the improvement of the offensive line has also contributed to a sensational scoring spree from the Giants recently.
This week, only two starters were listed on the injury report, which attests to a season with minimal injuries (knock on wood), which is something we haven’t been accustom too for quite some time. Aside from Beckham, tight end Rhett Ellison did not participate in practice after suffering an ankle injury toward the end of last week’s blow-out win.
Ellison has been fantastic this season, especially as a blocker. He’s contributed heavily in the run game and has even filled in valiantly in the passing game when Evan Engram was forced out of the lineup several weeks ago.
If Ellison is forced to miss any time the Giants would likely utilize Scott Simonson, who has performed well as a blocker.
.@Giants @scottysimes83 #RhettEllison have been a huge part of @Saquon success. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/5pK3BoyjIH
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 11, 2018
By the looks of it, I would assume OBJ gives his quad a go, but I believe Ellison will be inactive. Simonson can cover for him as a blocker while Engram can be utilized in the passing game. The trio of tight ends have been effective this season, but it will be interesting to see if Ellison can’t go on Sunday.