Tuesday was the first day of the New York Giants mandatory minicamp. Here are a few takeaways from what we saw from Big Blue.
Injuries Hurting The Giants Early
Unfortunately, injuries can happen at any time. In this case, the Giants had players go down with injuries on just the first day.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton suffered an undisclosed injury after trying to catch a pass from Drew Lock. He was able to walk off the field with a trainer but did not return.
Another wide receiver, Chase Cota, suffered a shoulder injury after he fell to the ground attempting to catch a ball from quarterback Nathan Rourke.
Finally, there was Bryce Ford-Wheaton. A player who missed last season due to a torn ACL, he suffered a shoulder injury of his own and walked off the field with a trainer.
Based on what we know, none of these injuries are as critical as they may seem.
Other guys to note include OT Evan Neal, who did not practice due to his ankle injury. It is not surprising, with Brian Daboll not expecting the third-year player to do so until the start of training camp. Cornerback Aaron Robinson, who seemed to have disappeared for a while, also did not practice due to a knee injury but is expected to be ready for training camp.
Replacing Darren Waller
With the retirement of Darren Waller, the Giants will be depending on Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger to replace him.
Johnson made a few plays of his own on Tuesday, as he continues to build chemistry with his quarterbacks.
@theo_Johnson_ from Daniel Jones #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/2yDvh2og5p
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 11, 2024
THEOOO 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IiENwe4PQl
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 11, 2024
As for Bellinger, he did not practice but it is not injury-related. After being called upon as a rookie to be the TE1, he may revert to that role heading into his third season in the league.
Malik Nabers Is As Advertised
Last year, the Giants were hoping Darren Waller would be their leading receiver. Now, after they drafted arguably the most explosive wideout, they can finally have a true WR lead the team.
Nabers has made multiple plays during these past few weeks. His potential continued to show itself on Tuesday.
Malik Nabers doing an Odell Beckham impersonation at Giants minicamp. 👀 pic.twitter.com/sIy4NdkGTb
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) June 11, 2024
Growing chemistry with Daniel Jones is pivotal. The two of them continue to build that rapport despite Jones being limited.
Malik Nabers from Daniel Jones versus air #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/WtGJs9M8HK
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 11, 2024
If he wants to save his career, Jones knows he needs to get the ball into Nabers’s hands. He understands that, after all.
"He can be a tremendous weapon for us. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 11, 2024
– Daniel Jones on Malik Nabers pic.twitter.com/fSMSp6Slmj
Speaking of Jones, he did tell the media he expects to be ready for the first day of training camp to participate in everything.
Wan’Dale Robinson: Breakout Year Incoming With The Giants?
Highlighted by a touchdown to the house, Wan’Dale Robinson had a great start to minicamp.
Wan'Dale to the 🏠! pic.twitter.com/O9lpK9bcpy
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 11, 2024
The third-year wide receiver is looking to make a bigger impact in this offense after showing flashes of what he can do when fully healthy last year (tore his ACL midway through his rookie season).
Wan'Dale Robinson's quickness and route-running 👀pic.twitter.com/Bpgq3ORGpR
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 11, 2024
If he, Nabers, and Jalin Hyatt can play up to their potential, this offense is going to be “chef’s kiss” dangerous.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: @Giants/X