After the first couple of weeks of training camp, the New York Giants will play their first preseason game on
After the first couple of weeks of training camp, the New York Giants will play their first preseason game on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.
It’s unknown at this time how many starters will play, but this will be a good test for Brian Daboll’s team to see how they’ve progressed. With a revamped roster, there has been tremendous excitement and intriguing storylines in training camp for Big Blue.
Multiple storylines have emerged from the Giants’ opening weeks of camp, but here are the five biggest observations.
Russell Wilson to Malik Nabers is going to be a special connection
The Russell Wilson to Malik Nabers connection has been sensational, and the Giants defense has been unable to stop them. The duo connected on three touchdowns in their first practice together and have been unstoppable ever since.
The 36-year-old Wilson is playing like he’s in his prime as his passes have zip and he has connected with Nabers and other receivers for long touchdown passes throughout camp.
Nabers has been simply unguardable as none of New York’s cornerbacks have been able to slow him down. If what the 22-year-old has shown in camp is any indication of his regular season potential, he could be on his way to earning All-Pro honors.
Jaxson Dart given every opportunity to be QB2
Coming into training camp, many believed the Giants quarterback depth chart would go as follows: Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart, and Tommy DeVito. Although Winston remains second on the depth chart and Dart is third, both have been splitting reps with the second-team offense. At Saturday’s practice, Dart took all of the second team reps.
It’s clear the team is giving their rookie quarterback every opportunity to climb to No. 2 behind Wilson, and if he plays well in the preseason, there’s a good chance that will happen. It will be interesting to see how much playing time Dart and Winston receive against the Bills on Saturday.
Abdul Carter has been a terror
Although Abdul Carter wasn’t listed as a starter when the team announced their unofficial depth chart on Tuesday, no defender has stood out more than the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He has looked explosive and has blown past offensive tackles with ease throughout camp, recording what would’ve been several sacks in game situations. Carter has lined up in multiple positions as defensive coordinator Shane Bowen looks to find new ways to utilize his playmaking ability. The sky is the limit for the former Penn State standout, and he’s a big reason why some feel the Giants could be one of the surprise teams in the league this season.
Real concern whether Andrew Thomas will be ready Week 1
Andrew Thomas had Lisfranc surgery in October, and the hope was that he would be ready for training camp. But the team placed their starting left tackle on the PUP list at the start of camp, and he has yet to practice with the team.
Daboll was asked when Thomas might finally practice.
“He’s getting there. Making progress every day,” Daboll said. “As soon as he can be out there, he’ll be out there. You guys will see him out there. I’d say from week to week, he’s made continuous strides.”
Understandably, the team wants to be cautious with the All-Pro tackle after a significant injury, but with the regular season just over a month away and no timeline for his return, concern is mounting.
Adding to the worry: tight end Theo Johnson also had Lisfranc surgery two months after Thomas, yet he was on the practice field at the start of camp. Although Johnson is fifty pounds lighter than Thomas, the fact that he has been a full participant while Thomas’ status remains uncertain is troubling.
Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott in close competition to be CB2
The tightest position battle in camp so far is between Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott to see who will start opposite Paulson Adebo. The competition has been neck and neck, and on Wednesday, Bowen discussed the battle between the two corners.
“I think they’re both doing a really good job,” stated Bowen. “Obviously, Flott’s missed a little bit of time here the past couple days, but I think they’re doing a really good job.”
This position battle likely won’t be determined until the end of camp, and it will be interesting to see how Banks and Flott perform in the preseason.
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