TheNew York Giantswill be a little shorthanded when they host the Washington Redskins on Thursday Night Football. It was announced Wednesday that the Giants already ruled out five players for the game, headlined byVictor CruzandDominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Joining them on the sideline will beJerome Cunningham, Owa Odighizuwa andMarkus Kuhn.
#GiantsInjury List: Cruz, Cunningham, Kuhn, Odighizuwa, and Rodgers-Cromartie - Out. Ereck Flowers - Doubtful. Robert Ayers - Questionable
— New York Giants (@Giants)September 23, 2015
Cruz is heading in the right direction, but his return to the field will have to wait until Week 4 at the earliest. Cruz has progressed to running on grass with his teammates, but is not ready to take the field for a game. It is encouraging to see him doing more things on the practice field though, as the Giants could use an infusion on their offense. Also, withPreston Parkerbeing released this week, the Giants are in need of a slot receiver, which Cruz will provide once he returns.
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The loss of Rodgers-Cromartie is a big one, but it does not come as much of a surprise. Rodgers-Cromartie suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon, and didn’t have enough time to get through the NFL concussion protocol to be cleared. Hopefully sitting out now will make sure he is 100 percent ready to go Week 4 when the Giants travel to take on the Buffalo Bills.
In his place,Jayron Hosleyis expected to start oppositePrince Amukamara. Expect to seeTrumaine McBrideand Tevin Wade sprinkled in as well, as the Giants do not have many other options to go to at cornerback with limited depth.
The Giants depth will also be put to the test along the defensive line. With Odighizuwa already ruled out, and Robert Ayers questionable, the Giants defensive front could be extremely shorthanded. If Ayers is unable to suit up, it leaves onlyCullen Jenkins,George Selvie,Damontre MooreandKerry Wynnto rotate at defensive end; That number dwindles even more as Jenkins might have to start at defensive tackle with Kuhn sidelined.
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Arguably the biggest lost potentially is of Ereck Flowers on the offensive line. Flowers re-injured his ankle last week against the Falcons after originally injuring it against the Dallas Cowboys Week 1. When he came out of the game, the Giants line crumbled a bit, asEli Manningwas suddenly under more pressure and the running game stalled. Losing his blindside protector would be a huge loss, as he has been better than advertised after originally being slated to open at right tackle.
If Flowers is unable to go, which looks to be the case right now,Justin Pughwould probably kick outside to left tackle andJohn Jerrywould enter the starting lineup at guard. Jerry has proven time and time again he is not fit to be a starting player, so the Giants could have their hands full without Flowers in the starting lineup.
One thing that will help the blocking against the Redskins though is thatDaniel Fellslooks like he will return to the lineup. Fells missed the game against the Falcons with a foot injury, but is probable to play tonight. His presence was sorely missed in the blocking department and would be a big boost for the Giants.
The biggest boost though could be coming on the defensive side of the ball, asJon Beasonlooks poised to make his 2015 debut. Beason has been out with a sprained knee since the middle of August, but has been able to practice this week. He is also listed as probable and looks like he will take back his spot as the starting middle linebacker fromUani Unga.
Jay BromleyandGeoff Schwartzare both listed as probable and should be in the Giants lineup later tonight. While the Giants will be happy to get Beason back in the lineup, they will sorely miss Rodgers-Cromartie and Flowers if he is held out.
For the Redskins,DeSean Jackson,Martrell SpaightandJustin Rogersare all listed as out. Tim Compton andPerry RileyJr. are both questionable.
Next: Giants vs. Redskins 5 Players To Watch
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