It turns out things could have been worse.
This seems to be the general takeaway from the Giants’ injury report after their Week 3 loss to the Rams, where several key players were sidelined, either entirely or for parts of the game.
The report confirmed that QB Jaxson Dart has a season-ending knee injury, while OLB Brian Burns (ankle), CB Deonte Banks (calf), and S Tyler Nubin (calf) are all on the questionable list.
On a more positive note, Banks is optimistic about playing against the Titans this Sunday, eager to shake off the impact of missing the previous game. “Hell, yeah,” he told The Post, adding that he feels better than he did last week.
However, the outlook isn’t as bright for Burns, who didn’t practice at all this week but was seen working on the sidelines with trainers on Friday.
As for LT Andrew Thomas (groin) and WR Malik Nabers (shoulder), they seem to be in a better place now.
Thomas, who limped off during the final drive, mentioned that he could have returned if the game hadn’t been winding down. He participated fully in practice on Friday after sitting out Thursday. “They held me out, I guess to give me another day to recover,” he said. “It was sore right after the game, but I feel good today.”
Nabers is also back to full strength; an X-ray on his dislocated shoulder offered good news. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that it won’t be an issue during games, saying, “It’s not something we have to manage from a football standpoint.”
In the case of Nubin, he might be replaced by Ar’Darius Washington, who has only seen two defensive snaps this season.
On a positive note, DT Shelby Harris has been upgraded to full participation.
“All of us are always trying to play,” Thomas remarked, noting how important it is to yet remain focused on personal health. “Obviously, you have to put your body first. All those guys are trying to step up for Jameis [Winston]. I hate what happened to Dart.”
Interestingly, Jerry Rosburg, a close friend of Harbaugh’s and former interim coach for the Broncos, was present at Friday’s practice. He specializes in special teams and game management, and his daughter Megan works as an assistant to the head coach. “He’s visiting Megan,” Harbaugh said. “Jerry’s welcome any time. He was in our meetings today, so it’s great to have him with us.”
The NFL Legends Brunch Series is making a comeback at American Dream, with special guests including Plaxico Burress this Sunday, Hakeem Nicks on October 4, and Ahmad Bradshaw on October 18. The two-hour event kicks off at 9 a.m. on game days, and tickets are available for those interested in meeting the legends, taking photos, and enjoying a breakfast buffet.
The Titans, led by former Jets and Giants coaches Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll, respectively, practiced with wet footballs on Friday to prepare for what could be heavy rain. The Giants didn’t take the same approach, with Harbaugh light-heartedly saying, “We made the wind really pick up, but we couldn’t make it rain.”
