The Giants had a lighter workout on Thursday after three consecutive days of padded practices, the most permitted by the NFL, as they wrap up the second week of their offseason training camp program.
“Post-snap is very controlled, but all the rest of it should be game speed,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re learning how to do that, so I thought as practice went on, we got better at that, and I expect the next time we do that for it to be world-class.”
As the team continued to prepare for their preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 15, head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the team’s starters could be expected to play.
“We haven’t decided exactly yet,” Harbaugh said. “We’re a young team, so [for] young guys we’re gonna want them out there and getting experience. So, that’s kind of the way we’d be leaning. How much? What degree? What games? We have to figure that out still.”
A fight broke out after one of the last plays of practice between wide receiver Xavier Gibson and cornerback Nick Jones. Punches were thrown, but the two were quickly separated and the conflict seemed to be resolved.
Superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers continued to work his way back and participated in some walkthrough periods against the defense. Many held their breath after a close call between Nabers and safety Tyler Nubin on a swing pass, but both were okay.
“I know Malik is really into it,” Harbaugh said. “He is pouring himself into it with everything he’s got… because he knows he’s going to be back playing soon. How soon? That depends, we’ll see. But he’s preparing himself to have a great season.”
Wide receiver Malachi Fields took reps with the first-team offense and has made a real push to be highly involved in the game plan. The third-round pick has displayed an innate blocking ability for a team that looks to emphasize the run game.
The Giants experimented with the “tush push” as well in an attempt to improve their short-yardage efficiency. New York played fullback Patrick Ricard at quarterback in the formation to protect Jaxson Dart and deliver a stronger punch.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who the Giants signed to a three-year deal this offseason, has taken on a leadership role with the team and will anchor the middle of the defense, signified by the green dot displayed on his helmet.
Edmunds has formed a bond with rookie linebacker Arvel Reese, who has been praised for his training camp performance.
“We want to get to the ball,” Edmunds said. “We want to be dominant, we want to put our athleticism on display and that’s what’s on our mind… we challenge each other every day. And, not just us two, but the whole linebacker group.”
The starting cornerbacks for part of the day’s walkthroughs were Greg Newsome II, who the team signed to a one-year deal this offseason, and veteran Deonte Banks. Each has made a push to start this upcoming year.
Rookie cornerback Colton Hood has continued to impress as well. The second-round pick has displayed physicality and an ability to play impactful defense against the run.
“I think versatility in the backend is important,” Harbaugh said. “The more guys we can get in there, we’ll get a feel for who’s got a great feel for [the position]… You’ve got to have depth there for sure.”
Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada may be favored to win the starting job as he has displayed remarkable consistency throughout camp. The former Michigan Wolverine has made 28 of his 31 attempts and has shown off his range.
The Giants signed 6-foot-4, 281-pound undrafted rookie fullback Grant Finley. Finley took most of his snaps as a defensive tackle at Missouri Western State University but frequently played in the backfield as well.
Finley displayed impressive athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine and may play an important role in preseason games.
Star edge rusher Brian Burns lined up for various walkthrough periods after missing practice with a “minor” injury on Wednesday. Burns was a limited participant.
Cornerback Dru Philips was sidelined with a wrap around his leg after sustaining a right knee injury on Wednesday. The injury is described as “a mild knee sprain” and will likely hold Philips out of camp for some time.
It was officially reported by The Athletic that Harbaugh’s first choice for the offensive coordinator position was Todd Monken, who filled the position for three years with Harbaugh in Baltimore.
The team pivoted to a combination of well-known offensive coaches such as Matt Nagy, Brian Callahan and Greg Roman after Monken was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
“Brothers compete and brothers get into it,” Jaxson Dart said. “It’s a battle every day and a battle every single day and I think that when you’re in those environments things just get competitive.”
