With the beginning of the Jaxson Dart era set to begin Sunday at MetLife Stadium, the rookie quarterback should at least have most of his key offensive weapons available.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas, who made his return last week against the Chiefs — but was limited to about 25 plays coming off foot surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture last October — was not listed on Friday’s injury report and said following practice the foot continues to improve.
“We’ll see how it goes,’’ Thomas said of how much he plays Sunday. “I look forward to playing more and being more effective out there.”
“Definitely more reps than he played [last week],’’ Brian Daboll said. “I think we’ll just see where he’s at. But he’s in a good spot. Feels better. He’s gotten better each week. It’s good news to have him out there.’’
Like everyone else, Thomas is looking to see what Dart can bring to the team.
“As an offense, we’re trying to rally around him,’’ Thomas said. “He’s a young guy, but he has talent. We’ll do our best with communication up front, open up run lanes and protect.”
And the added mobility Dart brings to the offense won’t impact how Thomas or the rest of the offensive line protects him.
“I think all our quarterbacks are mobile,’’ Thomas said of Dart, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. “It breaks into a scramble and you just adjust.”
Also left off Friday’s injury report was Malik Nabers, who didn’t practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury and was limited Thursday and Friday.
He was held to a career-low two catches and 13 yards against the Chiefs.
And tight end Theo Johnson (toe) is also good for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
Graham Gano is out for Sunday’s game after suffering a groin injury Sunday. DL Chauncey Golston (ankle) and RB Tyrone Tracy (shoulder) are also out, while Rakeem Núñez-Roches (foot) is doubtful.
Abdul Carter made his first start Sunday in the loss to Kansas City and had four tackles, including one for a loss, but is still waiting for a breakout performance.
But he’s continued to impress the Giants with his versatility, rushing from both the inside and outside.
“He’s evolved,’’ defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said, although Bowen added they know his strength is rushing from the outside.
“There is a balance,’’ Bowen said. “If his fastball is rushing on the edges, we’ve got to get him some pitches out there. But he’s also gifted at rushing inside.”
Daboll said he was “absolutely not” displeased with the team’s medical staff — or anyone else — when he was asked about practicing outside Thursday.
Daboll said he “heard about” reaction to his comment — and use of air quotes — when he referred to the Giants’ medical people and explained Friday there is a group of people involved in making that kind of decision, especially when poor weather is forecast.
Daboll noted the groundskeeping, equipment manager, trainer and director of player performance — as well as Daboll — communicate and determine the best course of action.
“I talk to those guys pretty much on a daily basis when there’s, I’d say, concerns with the fields- if there’s concerns with the fields,’’ Daboll said.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
