As the season winds down for teams no longer in playoff contention, a growing injury list often becomes a familiar sight.
The New York Giants have already ruled out five players for their upcoming match against the Washington Commanders. The sidelined players include defensive tackle Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (ankle), outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder), wide receiver Beaux Collins (neck/concussion), outside linebacker Victor Dimukeje (knee), and cornerback Nic Jones (shoulder).
Punter Jamie Gillan, dealing with a left knee issue, is marked as doubtful. Veteran Cam Johnston, recently added to the practice squad, is likely to step in as his replacement.
Additionally, seven players are listed as questionable: defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), defensive tackle D.J. Davidson (illness), offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (calf), linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness/neck/knee), cornerback Art Green (hamstring), linebacker Darius Muasau (ankle), and wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (concussion).
Notably, Lawrence’s name appeared on the injury report as of Friday.
Should any of Green, Muasau, Ezeudu, or Collins be ready to return from injured reserve, the Giants will need to adjust their roster accordingly by Saturday.
“There are a few scenarios that we’ve been talking through over the last couple of days,” interim head coach Mike Kafka said.
Thibodeaux was optimistic before the bye that he would return for the final four games. Make that three games (at best) now.
“There’s still a ton of optimism,” Kafka said. “I think he’s fired up and preparing himself to get out there with the players. It’s just about when he feels comfortable and when the doctors feel really good to clear him.”
The Giants claimed WR Ryan Miller off waivers from the Buccaneers. He played 123 offensive snaps and 205 special-teams snaps.
Kafka was coaching from the booth the last time there was a snow game at MetLife Stadium. The Chicago native is ready for the elements that Sunday could bring but said it doesn’t impact preparation as much as wind or rain.
“Snow games have always been fun,” he said.
