NY Giants updates from the NY Giants Media/PR Department

Giants Notebook

By Michael Eisen

October 2, 2024

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants today began preparations for their game Sunday in Seattle without their leading rusher and leading receiver.

Running back Devin Singletary has a groin injury he sustained in the Giants’ 20-15 loss last week to Dallas and sensational rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers remains in the NFL concussion protocol after he was hurt in the waning moments of that game.

Cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and rookie Dru Phillips, who did not play against the Cowboys because each has a groin injury, also did not practice.

Their availability for the game Sunday in Seattle likely will not be decided until later in the week.

“(Nabers is) still in the protocol,” coach Brian Daboll said. “(We) talked about that before with (wide receiver) Darius (Slayton, who was in the protocol before playing in the game in Washington on Sept. 15). Take that however it comes.

“He (Nabers) is in the early stages of (the protocol) right now. So, again, we’ll just take it day by day with him. Really, other than that, I have no update other than he’s in the protocol and just hope he continues to get better.”

Nabers has been the Giants’ most productive offensive player through the season’s first four games. He leads the NFL with 52 targets and 35 receptions, is second with 386 yards, and tied for third with three touchdown receptions. Nabers has been targeted on 52 of the Giants’ 145 total pass attempts – including one that he threw – a 35.9 percentage that is the highest in the NFL.

Daboll said the Giants must consider Nabers may not play.

“Well, you do that anytime you have guys that aren’t practicing,” he said. “You make sure that you have contingency plans. But (we are) hopeful. And if not, we’ll have a plan.

“The guys that are out here practicing will go ahead and take the reps. That will give (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) more reps today than he’s had in practice. Everybody's got to be ready to go.”

That includes Wan’Dale Robinson, who is second on the team with 26 catches, including a league-high 15 on third down (Nabers is second with 12), Darius Slayton, and Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who has played one offensive snap. Robinson was limited in practice today with a heel injury. Veteran Isaiah Hodgins and newcomer Kearis Jackson are on the practice squad. Tight ends Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger and Chris Manhertz could become bigger contributors in the passing game.

“There's no doubt (Nabers) has been a big part of our offense so far and someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots,” quarterback Daniel Jones said. “So, it’ll change a little bit (if Nabers is sidelined). But the guys we got out there, we have a lot of confidence in them winning their matchups and getting open. I know we’ll play well. So, we’re confident in whoever’s out there and we’re lucky to have a deep group of receivers and a lot of talented guys.”

The most intriguing option for a Nabers-less Giants team is Hyatt, the 2023 third-round draft choice and former Biletnikoff Award winner who has played just 51 snaps and been targeted three times without a catch in in four games.

“Hopefully, Leek’s back – I’ll be praying for him,” Hyatt said. “If he’s not ready, it’s going to be a big opportunity for me, and I’ve got to take advantage of it. I’ll be ready whenever my number is called.”

Hyatt hoped to have a bigger role this season, but Daboll has said he is the “third/fourth” receiver, with Slayton getting reps ahead of him. Hyatt has not complained while waiting for his chance to play.

“I think Jalin has handled it well,” Jones said. “He’s a pro, he’s a mature guy. You’ve seen it out at practice. He’s continued to show up and make a lot of plays. I know it’s frustrating for a guy not to get those opportunities on Sunday, but I thought he’s handled it well. I have a ton of confidence in him out there making plays, changing the game with his speed and ability to get behind the defense. So, I know he’ll be ready to go.”

As will reserve running backs Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray, who have had a limited workload with Singletary getting most of the carries early in the season. They are also the Giants’ kickoff returners.

Singletary, who is in his first season with the Giants and sixth in the NFL, has 77.8% of the team’s running back rushing attempts (56 of 72) and 86% of the rushing yards (221 of 257). Jones is second on the team in both categories with 23 attempts for 70 yards.

Daboll said he believes Singletary’s injury will not be a long-term issue.

“He’s going to do some stuff on the side,” Daboll said. “We’ll see where he’s at. He ran on Monday. I’m hopeful for him. But, again, a couple more days to see where he’s at.”

Tracy, a rookie fifth-round draft choice, has rushed for 29 yards on 12 carries, and second-year pro Gray has seven yards on four attempts. The Giants are one of the four NFL teams with just one running back with 30+ rushing yards. The others are Indianapolis, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

“I’m going to prepare the same way,” Tracy said of the possibility of getting more playing time against the Seahawks. “I think the way I prepared is at a professional level, but I just have to take it day by day understanding that whatever opportunities come my way, I'm going to try to take advantage of it, but at the same time not force anything. Just doing everything I can to make sure that I put the team in a good situation.

“We don’t know (Singletary’s) his status, but what I’ve been saying since the preseason is taking advantage of my opportunity. Whenever my number’s called, I’ll be ready.”

*Linebacker Brian Burns was also limited with a groin injury.

*Daboll on Jackson and Phillips, who were both inactive for the Dallas game:

“I think today will be a good day for them,” Daboll said. “They’ve made progress. Hopefully, these next couple days we can see more progress out of them so they’ll be ready to go. But I can’t say they will be. We’ve got to make sure we see it.”

*Linebacker and special teamer Matthew Adams practiced for the first time, starting his 21-day window to either be activated or remain for the rest of the season on injured reserve, where he was placed Aug. 27 with a quad injury. He was eligible to return this week (after the fourth game).

A seven-year NFL veteran and first-season Giant, Adams has played in 85 regular-season games with 13 starts with Indianapolis, Chicago and Cleveland and played in four postseason games for the Colts and Browns. His career totals include 64 tackles (44 solo), one forced fumble and fumble recovery on defense and 34 tackles, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt on special teams.