Did the local team save Ifmir Smith-Marsette from a difficult situation, or did he save the local team?
Considering the Giants' desperate need for a punt returner and Smith-Marsette missed a week of NFL time, it may have been a little bit of both.
“Obviously I was nervous when I didn't have a job,” said Smith-Marsette, who was selected to the Panthers' initial 53-man roster out of training camp but was cut the next day. “I felt like nobody wanted me. I was like, 'Did I not try hard enough?' A lot of things were going through my mind, but I did pray.”
The Giants are without a true punt returner after Gunner Olszewski re-injured his groin during warmups for the season opener.
Forced into an unfamiliar role, Darius Slayton fumbled a rebound punt ball.
A Newark native who grew up a Giants fan, Smith-Marsette averaged 8.7 yards on punt returns and one touchdown and 20 yards on kickoff returns during his three-year NFL career.
“I feel very comfortable,” Smith-Marsette said. “I'm just getting back to doing what I do best, which is playing football.”
Smith-Marsette was one of three receivers the Giants practiced on Monday, along with the quarterback, punter and two offensive linemen.
“You're never too big to earn a position,” said Smith-Marsette. “I'm excited to come back and play in front of my friends and family. I'm excited to bring my game back home to my hometown. It's a great opportunity.”
What made Smith-Marsette, who is 6-foot-1, stand out from the other tryout candidates?
“He's got real, real speed. Real speed,” special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said. “We're going to continue to make sure he's the best option in terms of ball possession, which is a No. 1 priority for us.”
Corner back Deonte Banks hurled expletives at the Commanders in an Instagram video after the Giants won both of their head-to-head games last season.
Washington is the closest NFL team to Banks' alma mater (Maryland).
He also made a nasty remark about receiver Terry McLaurin, asking, “Did No. 17 play today?”
“I don't really care about that anymore. It's Year 2,” Banks told the Post. “He's a good receiver and it'll be an interesting matchup.”
WR Malik Neighbors (knee) was listed as questionable on the final injury report but was declared “available” by head coach Brian Daboll.
Slayton has cleared concussion protocol and will be available to play.
CB Nick McLeod (knee), LB Darius Muasau (knee) and Olszewski will miss the game against the Commanders.
Giants OLB coach Charlie Bullen underwent surgery Thursday to repair a broken leg suffered after being hit by Vikings running back Ty Chandler on the sideline during a game.
Bullen will not play in Sunday's game.
Assistant coach Ben Burress will take over those responsibilities, moving from the coaching desk to the sideline.
“I know he's fighting hard to get back here,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said.
