Giants vs. Jets Player of the Game: K.J. Cloyd

It was a night to forget for the New York Giants as they wrapped up the 2024 preseason with a 10-6 loss to the New York Jets on Saturday at MetLife Stadium.

With most starters sitting this one out, the Giants struggled in all three phases of the game, displaying a lack of depth that should concern general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

However, one diamond in the rough did emerge via rookie linebacker K.J. Cloyd.

The 23-year-old Cloyd recorded a game-high 16 tackles (eight solo, two for a loss) and displayed impressive leadership properties in the second half. He helped fellow defenders get lined up properly, making them aware of their assignment, while also serving as a motivator.

While his spark didn’t infect the team in the way he had hoped, Cloyd served himself well and really gave the Giants something to think about when it comes to final cuts on Tuesday.

“He was active,” Daboll said of Cloyd after the game. “Again, there’s a lot of discussions we need to have tonight and over the next couple of days, we’ve had a bunch of them. But certainly when guys play well, you go ahead and re-evaluate and make sure you’re doing the right thing. Whether that’s the active roster or practice squad, all those decisions will be made.”

If Cloyd didn’t secure a spot on the 53-man roster, he deserves strong consideration for the practice squad… if the Giants can hide him there.