Sunday was a day packed with big news at Giants training camp.
First, the team removed injury-prone enigmatic player Evan Neal from the Player Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list, allowing the third-year right tackle to practice for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery last January.
Coach Brian Daboll provided an update on backup quarterback Drew Lock, who missed Thursday’s preseason opener with a hip contusion, and said the team has no plans to sign another quarterback, suggesting Lock’s injury is not expected to be long-term.
Daboll then revealed plans to bring starting quarterback Daniel Jones into Saturday’s preseason game at Houston, where he will play for the first time since tearing his ACL in Las Vegas last November.
Then, finally, with about 20 minutes left in practice Sunday, receiver Malik Neighbors, the team’s first-round draft pick and enjoying a stellar summer, injured his left ankle and did not return.
This dramatic turn of events should underscore just how great Bobby Okereke has been for the Giants.
Okereke has done a lot for the Giants, including being the most consistent force in the locker room.
The Giants ran 1,128 plays on defense in 2023, and the 28-year-old linebacker appeared in every one of them.
He was one of just three players in the NFL to play every down, along with former teammate safety Xavier McKinney and Washington safety Kamren Curl. Going back to 2007, no Giants player had ever done that.
Okereke is the unquestioned leader of the Giants’ defense, playing the key role up the middle and providing a stern but calm presence in the locker room.
He, too, has flourished in 2023, recording 149 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks.
Okereke is by far the best free agent signing general manager Joe Sean has made in his two-plus seasons at the helm with the Big Blue.
He is always dependable, always responsible, and above all, always available.
“It’s a big pride for me to be able to play any time,” Okereke told The Post after practice on Sunday. “That’s what I train for, that’s what I’m conditioning for. My mindset is to be ready for every play. But from my standpoint, I want to be up front and lead, so it’s about going out on the field and making plays.”
Okereke, who had his best year of his five NFL seasons last year, said he believes in the adage “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
“I’m blessed with athletic ability and leadership qualities,” he said. “I feel like I have a lot of ability to contribute to this team.”
The toughest part for Okereke last season was seeing his hard work, blood, sweat and tears not be rewarded in the standings as the Giants finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs.
“That’s the challenge – to stay motivated no matter what the situation is, no matter what the outcome,” he said. “They say that in the end it’s profit that counts, so you just have to keep working hard. You have to struggle. You have to work hard and have faith that your work will eventually materialize into your dreams and goals.”
“That’s the example I try to show: just work hard and trust the process, and the results will come.”
The words are music to Daboll, who on Sunday called Okereke a “centerpiece.”
“He’s a really good communicator, he’s obviously got good leadership qualities and he was named a captain his first year here,” Daboll said. “I think he’s just taken it to another level now. He’s got speed. He’s a ball-disruptor and an aggressive player in the run game and the pass game.”
Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson called Okereke an “engine.”
“He’s the voice that gets the information out to the defense,” Henderson said Sunday. “He’s the guy that motivates the guys and encourages them to step up and make the plays that we want to make. His presence and athleticism in the middle of the defense is unbelievable. There aren’t many linebackers in the league that have the range that he has.”
Giants inside linebackers coach John Egorugu said he was most impressed with Okereke’s “not being afraid to voice his opinion” to his teammates and coaching staff for the betterment of the team.
“He’s a guy who is intentional about everything he does, from his physical training to his studies,” Egorgou said. “He’s a pro’s pro and sets an example for the other guys in the room. He’s the glue that holds everybody together.”
“He played every snap last year, but to do that you have to put in a lot of work outside the building. Behind the scenes work. And he’s doing that.”
He does it every day. Consistently. And without drama.
