Giants Fully Healthy for Week 1 vs. Vikings

Whoever the football god of injuries is hasn’t been kind to the New York Giants in recent years. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones went down last year; so did his backup. The offensive line spontaneously combusted. Injuries took away parts of Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley’s tenure in New York, too.

But entering a new season, with optimism in the air and an offseason to recover, New York is resoundingly healthy.

Only four players – safety Dane Belton, quarterback Drew Lock, linebacker Micah McFadden, and receiver Gunner Olszewski – were on the team-provided injury reports, each of them carrying the limited designation.

Edge rusher Brian Burns would join them on Friday, without concern.

Ahead of Week 1’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants gave status updates on their limited participants.

Out

• None

Doubtful

• None

Questionable

• None

Call it divine intervention or simply good luck – New York will be at full strength in the season opener.

This is meaningful, especially for linebacker Micah McFadden. Having him on the field on early downs against a strong offensive play caller in head coach Kevin O’Connell inspires significantly more confidence than sixth-round rookie Darius Muasau, who would’ve started in his place.

The Giants also get Olszewski back as their primary returner, relieving cornerback Adoree’ Jackson of potential punt return duties.

Burns was the only new addition to the injury report, but with little concern from the beat and the team, there’s no reason to hold one’s breath.

Lock will reclaim his spot as the QB2 between Jones and DeVito.

Related: Giants vs. Vikings Preview: Can Jefferson Be Contained?

With an opportunity to get off on the right foot in Week 1 – in front of the home fans, celebrating the team’s 100th anniversary – it’s easy and justifiable to emphasize the importance of Sunday’s contest. Fully healthy, the Giants are in a good position to not only keep this one close, but escape with a minor upset in the afternoon window.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 1 p.m. ET.