Giants vs. 49ers: Big Blue Hit Hard On Injury Report

The New York Giants will be hosting the San Francisco 49ers this weekend at MetLife Stadium on Sunday Night Football. They will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games as they are beginning to get things rolling on both sides of the ball. They will be looking to contain another mobile quarterback in Colin Kaepernick this week, but it will be a tall task with how the injury report has looked thus far this week.

Also On Empire Writes Back: Where Are The Giants In Our NFL Power Rankings?

One of the Giants strengths this season has been the play of their defensive front. It has been one of the bigger surprises in football possibly, as the Giants have went from a sieve of a run defense in 2014 to the best one in 2015 through Week 4. They have done a good job up front without any real pass rushing threats, while also battling injuries. Well, they will have to step up again as the Giants are looking at a lot of losses along the defensive line this week.

More from New York Giants

Robert Ayers looks like he is in real danger of missing his third consecutive game. Ayers was penciled in as a starter because of his ability to stop the run, but also because he is arguably the most accomplished pass rusher the Giants have on their active roster. But, a hamstring injury has forced him out of the last two games, and it looks like it will keep him out this weekend against the 49ers; he has yet to practice this week.

Also along the defensive line, George Selvie hasn’t practiced this week. Selvie has been starting and playing more with Ayers sidelined, but he is now in danger of missing the game. He has not participated in practice this week because of a calf injury and looks to be extremely questionable to suit up. Special teams ace and linebacker Jonathan Casillas is also battling a calf injury and missed Thursday’s practice after being a full participant Wednesday.

The biggest loss would be at linebacker though, where Devon Kennard is banged up. Kennard has been outstanding for the Giants this season, as his speed and athleticism help him as a pass rusher and sideline to sideline defending the run. He also has a hamstring injury and his chances to play aren’t strong. He would be the biggest loss of the injured players as the Giants; unlike the defensive ends who are similar and rotate normally, the Giants do not have a player with the skill set or talent of Kennard to replace him with.

More Giants: Osi Umenyiora’s 5 Most Memorable Moments With Giants

Cornerback Jayron Hosley also hasn’t practiced this week because of a concussion. But, on a positive note, he was on the sideline so it would be fair to think he is getting closer to getting through the NFL concussion protocol. Also, cornerback Trumaine McBride, who did not participate Wednesday because of a groin injury, was a limited participant Thursday. Victor Cruz has also not participated in practice this week, as expected, but is hoping to receive good news on his injured calf as he approach the one year anniversary of his knee injury against the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

On a positive note, the Giants has Markus Kuhn return to practice to add depth to their defensive line. Also, Owa Odighizuwa made it through his NFL debut without a setback and is not on the injury report for the first time in his NFL career. Tight end Jerome Cunningham has also returned to practice, which is huge for the Giants with Daniel Fells being placed on season-ending IR earlier this week with a staph infection.

The 49ers are not without injured players as well. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks will not be playing after the death of his sister. Offensive tackle Joe Staley has yet to practice this week, and his status looks in doubt. Tight ends Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald and safety L.J. McCray have been limited in both practices this week. Offensive guard Alex Boone and wide receiver Quinton Patton were able to both return in a limited amount Thursday after missing practice Wednesday. NaVorro Bowman was on the injury report, but it was not injury related. He missed practice Wednesday but returned as a full participant Thursday and should be all systems go.

Next: Giants vs. 49ers: 6 Players To Targets in Fantasy Football

More from Empire Writes Back

Home/New York Giants