Giants Injury Report Reveals Weak Secondary vs. Steelers

The New York Giants are limping to the halfway point of the season, having lost left tackle Andrew Thomas for the year and much of the goodwill this offseason earned.

Receiver Malik Nabers is back, and so is running back Devin Singletary. But New York has not been better with their return, losing each of its last two contests. And as defensive injuries mount, optimism has dwindled.

This was made worse by nagging injuries to edge rusher Brian Burns and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence , and after three cornerbacks sat out of Wednesday’s practice, there’s reason to be skeptical about the Giants’ defense ahead of Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team released the following injury report on Wednesday.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

• Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (Groin)
• Punter Jamie Gillan (Left Hamstring)
• Corner Adoree’ Jackson (Neck)
• Corner Tre Hawkins (Ankle)
• Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence (Hip)
• Linebacker Ty Summers (Ankle)

LIMITED

• Edge Rusher Brian Burns (Groin/Achilles)
• Receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

FULL

• Receiver Jalin Hyatt (Rib)

The most concerning aspect of this update is Flott, Jackson, and Hawkins missing practice. It isn’t yet clear who will and won’t be available to play on Monday in Pittsburgh.

However, the secondary has been thin all season, and even at full strength it is still an inexperienced unit. Corners Nick McCloud and Dru Phillips have also missed time earlier in the year, but it’s a safe bet the former sees an expanded role in Week 8.

Fortunately, a matchup with the Steelers allows for the Giants to not need every contributor in the secondary. Corner Deonte Banks will follow receiver George Pickens , and the rest of the offense doesn’t demand extra attention. McCloud vs. Van Jefferson isn’t a matchup New York needs to be scared of.

Further Lawrence missing practice isn’t notable for his gameday status. But it is an abundance of caution, and one that should probably be expected to continue for much of the season. The same can be said for Burns, who’s listed as limited. After gutting it out against the Philadelphia Eagles, his week is more about damage control than getting back to 100 percent.

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It’s also too early to tell on Gillan, who punter Matt Haack has replaced. Fortunately, Hyatt seems good to go after his injury scare against the Eagles, although his health has not lent itself to production this season. He’s logged just one catch for six yards this season.

Additional injury updates throughout the week will provide additional clarity for Monday’s game statuses.