Nothing says it’s late in the season for a team out of playoff contention quite like a lengthy injury report.
The Giants ruled out five players for Sunday’s game against the Commanders: DT Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (ankle), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder), WR Beaux Collins (neck/concussion), OLB Victor Dimukeje (knee) and CB Nic Jones (shoulder).
Punter Jamie Gillan (left knee) is doubtful and likely to be replaced by newly signed veteran Cam Johnston on a practice-squad elevation.
Add in another seven players listed as questionable: DT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), DT D.J. Davidson (illness), OL Joshua Ezeudu (calf), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness/neck/knee), CB Art Green (hamstring), LB Darius Muasau (ankle) and WR Gunner Olszewski (concussion).
Lawrence was a Friday addition to the injury report.
The Giants will need to make a series of roster moves Saturday if all or some of Green, Muasau, Ezeudu and Collins are going to be activated off injured reserve.
“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.
