Giants vs. Redskins: 5 Players To Watch On Thursday Night Football

Jon Beason

Jun 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) speaks to media after organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY

Jon Beason looks poised to make his 2015 season debut, as he practiced all week and is listed as probable. He will give the Giants a huge boost defensively and will be a player to keep an eye on Thursday night for a couple of reasons.

First off, people will want to see just how healthy he truly is. Beason has been extremely injury prone since the 2011 season began, playing in only 24-of-66 possible regular season games. It will be worth keeping an eye on to see what kind of shape he is in. Last week in preparation for the Falcons, Beason said that he would be unable to play a full game given his current conditioning. Now a week later, is he conditioned to do so?

The Giants are certainly hoping so, as it brings us to the second reason he is worth watching. While he hasn’t played much recently, the Giants are a totally different team with him on the field. Just watch how different the intensity and preparation play-to-play is with Beason in there compared to Uani Unga.

Unga was in a little bit over his head, and his inexperience was on full display often. Not having the experience and leadership of Beason in the middle of the field is as big a reason as any for the 0-2 start, and having him back in the fold will hopefully result in their first win.

It will be interesting to see if Steve Spagnuolo has anything new in store knowing he has his veteran back on the field to play the same role Antonio Pierce did during the 2007 season.

Next: Redskins Rookie Running Back