DANIEL JONES 'READY TO GO'
Daniel Jones has been a full participant at practice since the start of training camp. The sixth-year quarterback, who is just over nine months removed from a torn ACL, has been the quarterback for the first team offense during all 11-on-11 drills this summer, including the two joint practices against the Lions. While the starting quarterback has gotten plenty of valuable practice reps over the last few weeks, stepping onto the field this Saturday in Houston would mark a big step in his comeback from last year's knee injury.
When talking to the media Thursday, Jones shared his excitement about finally returning to game action, noting that he has put last year's injury fully behind him.
"I'm ready to go," Jones said. "I'm ready to play as much as Dabs wants me to play. So, I don't know. That's probably a better question for him and kind of how he's seeing the whole situation. But I'm ready to play and looking forward to getting out there."
Jones is far from the only one looking forward to his return to the field. Assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka complimented the 27-year-old's performance so far this summer, but noted how important it is to get the signal-caller back under center in an actual game setting.
"I think just getting Daniel in the mix with all 11 guys and the groupings and kind of that first group in there just to get a feel for everybody, whether it's the offensive line, the receivers, and just continue to work together," Kafka said Thursday morning. "We have worked well all camp, and so this is just another opportunity in the preseason to get it with live bullets."
Kafka added, "He's doing a great job. Each day he's just getting a little bit better. I think those are things that we've talked about, whether it's his footwork, whether it's his progression, whether it's just communicating with the offensive line and kind of getting that feedback as well. He's part of it. He's one-eleventh of that group, but he's a big part of that, and I think he's doing a really nice job."
ALL-TIME SERIES
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the New York Giants will visit the Houston Texans in NRG Stadium in their second 2024 preseason game. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX5 NY.
The Giants and Texans have met once in the preseason. The two franchises have not faced off in a preseason matchup since Aug. 5, 2002, in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The Giants won the game, 34-17, the first in Texans history. The Giants played the previous Houston franchise, the Oilers, on four other occasions during the preseason finishing 2-2.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Houston Texans.
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs down the sideline for a gain of 70 yards as Houston Texans' Matt Stevens (26), Jeff Posey (98) and Marcus Coleman (42) chase him during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) flexes his muscle after sacking Houston Texans quarterback David Carr during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
Houston Texans' tight end Owen Daniels (81) loses the ball as he is hit by New York Giants' Corey Webster while Giants' James Butler (37) looks on in fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans' running back Wali Lundy, right, looks for running room around New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans safety Glenn Earl (26) attempts to tackle New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) as he picks up 21 yards during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Texans' Dunta Robinson (23) and Giants' Jim Finn look on. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans fullback Jameel Cook fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is tackled New York Giants linebacker Carlos Emmons (51) and safety Will Demps during third quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans' Glenn Earl (26) tries to tackle New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during first half NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. . 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Houston Texans' Glenn Earl tries to bring him down during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, center, tries to squeeze past Houston Texans defenders Morlon Greenwood (56) and C.C. Brown, right, during fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14-10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) recovers a fumble by Houston Texans' Jameel Cook in the fourth quarter of NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. Texans' Zach Wiegert (72) tries to pull Webster down and Giants' Will Demps (47) is also on the play. Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) scores on a 16-yard touchdown run as Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown pushes him during first-quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is stopped by Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown, right, and cornerback Demarcus Faggins, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) goes over the top and under Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) to score a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) is double teamed by Houston Texans Jonathan Weeks (46) and Darryl Sharpton in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) calls to teammates in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Chris Canty (99) moves past Houston Texans' Wade Smith in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls along four Houston Texans defenders, including Adewale Ogunleye (99), in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) and Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans' Matt Schaub (8) throws a shuttle pass as he is pressured by New York Giants' Chris Cantyin the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans cornerback Brice McCain (21) stops New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) drags Houston Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) for a first down in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is pulled down by Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) scores a touchdown during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 football game on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) takes the ball up field for a first down against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waits for the snap against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) takes the ball up field after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during a NFL week 3 regular season football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 30-17. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) looks for a hole in the Houston Texans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps over Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Houston Texans in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) is pushed out of bounds after catching a touchdown pass against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) as New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) looks on in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) avoids a tackle from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) returns an interception 25 yards during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is tripped up by Houston Texans free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 NFL football game on Sunday September 23, 2018 in Houston (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) strips the ball away from Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. The Giants recovered the fumble.(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) dives for a touchdown after catching a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with ball as Houston Texans defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks away from Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) as rushes for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by New York Giants' Damon Harrison Sr. (98) and B.W. Webb (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Adoree' Jackson Dane Belton
Isaiah Hodgins
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones
Jason Pinnock
KAYVON'S 'PASS RUSH HAS EVOLVED'
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux made a big jump from his rookie season to Year 2 in the NFL. After recording 4.5 sacks and finishing fourth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year vote back in 2022, Thibodeaux stepped up in a big way last season, finishing with a team-high 11.5 sacks while adding three forced fumbles.
Thibodeaux and Brian Burns have spoken at length about how they push each other at practice each and every day. While Burns has received most of the attention throughout training camp, and rightfully so given his dominant performance all summer, Thibodeaux has quietly put together a strong string of practices over the last few weeks. The third-year outside linebacker has found his way into the backfield on a near daily basis, which has not gone unnoticed by his head coach.
"He's had a good camp," Daboll told the media. "I think that his pass rush has evolved. I think he's practicing at a good tempo, a good speed. You notice him out there. He's been pretty consistent with everything that we've asked him to do. I've been pleased with Kayvon."
MOTOR HAVING FUN IN DABOLL'S OFFENSE
One of the big reasons the Giants decided to sign running back Devin Singletary was due to the veteran's familiarity with Brian Daboll's offense. Singletary and Daboll, who was serving as offensive coordinator, were together in Buffalo from 2019-2021. During those three seasons, Singletary averaged just over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage while averaging a little over 5.0 yards per touch.
Now reunited with his former coordinator in the Giants' offense, Singletary is happy to be back playing in Daboll's system.
"It's fun to be back in this offense," the veteran back said. "I feel like I'm gelling with the guys good. ... Man, you can do everything [in this system]. You can catch the ball out of the backfield. They're going to hand you the ball off, obviously. You've got to be able to pass pro, but for me, pass pro is fun. I miss playing defense, so that's the way of me to get that feeling to be able to hit somebody. But that's the way it's fun for a running back."
While Singletary did not play in the preseason opener against the Lions, running backs Dante "Turbo" Miller, Eric Gray and Tyrone Tracy Jr. combined for 141 yards on 21 carries, good for 6.7 yards per carry, while adding six receptions for 53 yards.
O-LINE CONTINUING TO WORK ON CHEMISTRY
Center John Michael Schmitz returned to practice Sunday for the first time since early in camp. Since Schmitz got injured, the offensive line has seen some reshuffling, most notably with the addition of Greg Van Roten. The veteran lineman could end up being one of the starting guards once Schmitz is back to 100 percent healthy, which means the two need to get comfortable playing next to each other. Despite Schmitz taking limited snaps in team drills next to Van Roten so far, the two have found other ways to start working on their chemistry.
"Obviously to develop chemistry you got to be out there," Schmitz told the media. "But it doesn't only happen on the field. It happens in the film room. It happens off the field. It happens with the relationships. You guys going to dinner. It's just little things like that. Getting to know the person. When things get tough, this is what you do it for."
Schmitz wasn't the only lineman to return to practice recently, as third-year tackle Evan Neal was activated off the physically unable to perform list after he passed a physical Sunday morning. As the O-line continues to get healthier, Schmitz is confident that the coaching staff will find the best combination of players to put out there in order for the unit to succeed.
"Yeah, we trust in our coaching staff, and we feel like they're going to put the best five out there and whoever that is they're going to get the job done in that position," the second-year center said.
McCLOUD READY TO SHOW WHAT HE CAN DO
Cornerback Nick McCloud is now going into this third season with the Giants. In his first two seasons, the veteran was used in a variety of spots, including time at both outside corner and in the slot. Following the recent injury to Cor'Dale Flott, who had been receiving many of the first-team reps at the outside corner spot opposite Deonte Banks, McCloud appears to be the next man up. Similar to how he always operates, the 26-year-old is ready to take advantage of every opportunity he gets.
"Definitely a huge opportunity," McCloud said about getting first-team reps. "I don't think I'm just trying to take this opportunity to go win a job, every time I step on the practice field, I'm trying to win a job. Whatever reps that I get, those are valuable reps. I went from last year, I didn't get any reps with the ones and the twos, really. Now I'm getting some reps. I just take every opportunity at practice, game, whatever it may be, just try to maximize that."
Defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson told reporters earlier that McCloud plays with a chip on his shoulder. The fourth-year corner clearly does not shy away from that sentiment.
"I wake up every day feeling like I've got to prove myself, no matter where I'm at on the depth chart, no matter what the circumstance may be," said McCloud. "I wake up every day wanting to be in the toughest situations."
KAFKA PRAISES YOUNG TIGHT ENDS
The tight end room has gone through some major changes since the end of last season. The most notable addition to the group came in the form of fourth-round pick Theo Johnson. The 6-foot-6, 264-pound tight end has flashed his athleticism throughout training camp, putting his speed and agility on full display. While the rookie is still finding his way during his first NFL summer, Johnson has left his offensive coordinator impressed with his early performance.
"Theo is a rookie, and he's right on schedule with where he's at in his development," said Kafka. "He was one of those guys that kind of started a little bit later in training camp, just getting back from the injury. But he's doing a really nice job. I'm happy. I'm excited about him. Going to keep inserting him into the offense and continue to find ways to get him involved."
One of the key players returning from last season is Daniel Bellinger. The third-year player has been a factor in the run game while also catching 55 passes across his first two seasons with the Giants. Now heading into Year 3, Bellinger's confidence and development has stood out.
"Belly is one of those kind of guys that kind of does it all in the pass game, in the run game," Kafka told the media. "He's continuing to develop and grow. He's getting stronger. You saw that leap from year one to year two, and you can see his confidence in year three of just being in the same system for three years. That's going to pay dividends for him. I'm excited about him because he's one of those guys that I see and I visualize as a leader of that group. So, whether he's on the field or he's off the field, he's one of those great teammates that you can rely on."
NUBIN 'TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES'
After missing some time at the start of training camp, safety Tyler Nubin has shown over the last couple of weeks why the Giants selected him in the second round of this year's draft. The No. 47 overall pick has put his high football intelligence on full display since his first day on the practice field. It didn't take long for the rookie safety to impress his position coach.
"He's really competitive, really confident," passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said earlier this week. "You just watch the [college] tape — and even here — his intensity, his energy and his focus just jumps off the tape at you."
"It was good to see him last week versus Detroit as well," defensive coordinator Shane Bowen added on Thursday. "He continues to get better. He continues to improve each day. I think the one thing with him is he's finally out there. He's healthy. We missed him those first two weeks. And he's had ground to make up to get back in that competition. He's been good. He's taking advantage of the opportunities. Doesn't make the same mistake twice. I've been encouraged by where he's at right now."
Nubin was on the field for 18 total plays against the Lions in the preseason opener. It was a solid showing for his first outing in the NFL, but there was one play in particular that stood out. With the Lions facing a third-and-two, Nubin blew up offensive lineman Michael Niese, planting the 295-pound lineman into the ground as Dyontae Johnson flew in to tackle the runner short of the line of gain. This was just one example of the physicality Nubin intends to bring to the Giants defense this season.
"I think something a lot of people don't know about me is I'm always ready to stick my nose in there and get dirty with the big guys," Nubin said. "That's something I've never been afraid of. That's something that was preached at Minnesota. That's where I start my game — getting physical, and then I'm feeling good so now I can go look for the ball."
CHATMAN HAS 'EXPLOSIVENESS & QUICK TWITCH'
One of the more intriguing position battles along the Giants 'roster this summer has been on the defensive line. While two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence will obviously start, who lines up next to him, and who backs him up on the depth chart, remains to be seen. Despite joining the team as an undrafted free agent following a tryout at rookie minicamp, Elijah Chatman has put himself into the conversation for a roster spot following a strong start to training camp.
Chatman is not your stereotypical defensive tackle. The 23-year-old lineman is listed at 6-feet and 278 pounds, which is obviously smaller than your average tackle in the NFL. But don't let his size fool you. Chatman, who was given the nickname "Baby Bison" at SMU, has flashed over the last few weeks, including recording a team-high five total pressures against the Lions last Thursday.
"He's done everything we've asked him to do," Daboll said Monday morning. "Again, he's a smaller guy, but he's got some length in his arms. He's got some explosiveness and quick twitch, maybe a little bit different than some of the bigger guys. I think he's developed since he's been here. He had that tryout. I wouldn't say it's unusual, but it's hard to do. So, he's earned some more playing time. We're going to give it to him and try to see him against as good a competition as we can so we can get a good evaluation. Give him some reps against the first team, whether it's our team or Houston, so we can get a fair evaluation of him."
ROSTER UPDATES
The Giants made a flurry of roster moves this week as we inch closer to the deadline in which teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players.
On Thursday, the team traded veteran defensive lineman Jordan Phillips to the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants also signed running back Joshua Kelley and a pair of safeties, Raheem Layne and Jonathan Sutherland, and released defensive back Jalen Mills, who was on the non-football injury list (calf). Defensive back Elijah Riley was also placed on injured reserve.
Kelley, 5-11 and 212 pounds, spent the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after being drafted in the fourth round (No. 112 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kelley appeared in 54 games with four starts and registered 320 rush attempts for 1,148 yards and six touchdowns while adding 50 receptions for 319 yards.
Layne, 5-11 and 192 pounds, spent his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in 11 games with one start. He was placed on injured reserve last October due to a torn ACL.
Sutherland, 5-11 and 202 pounds, has yet to make an appearance in the NFL. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks last season as an undrafted rookie from Penn State but was waived/injured (calf) last August. Sutherland then joined Seattle's practice squad and was released last month.
On Friday, the Giants signed veteran tight end/fullback Jakob Johnson, who has played in 67 games in his NFL career and made 34 starts.
In a corresponding move, the Giants waived/injured tight end Tyree Jackson.
Johnson, 6-3 and 255 pounds, spent the past two seasons with the Raiders, overlapping with current Giants offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and offensive linemen Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten. Prior to Las Vegas, Johnson played in 37 games with 20 starts over three seasons (2019-2021) with New England, where he also played under Bricillo.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2024 active roster as it currently stands.
CB Deonte Banks
OLB Boogie Basham
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
OLB Brian Burns
DL Elijah Chatman
DL D.J. Davidson
QB Tommy DeVito
OL Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Joshua Ezeudu
CB Cor'Dale Flott
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
K Graham Gano
P Jamie Gillan (6)
RB Eric Gray
CB Tre Hawkins III
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Adoree' Jackson
S Anthony Johnson Jr.
FB/TE Jakob Johnson
TE Theo Johnson
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
G Jake Kubas
DL Dexter Lawrence II
QB Drew Lock
TE Chris Manhertz
CB Nick McCloud
LB Micah McFadden
ILB Darius Muasau
WR Malik Nabers
T Evan Neal
S Tyler Nubin
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
OLB Azeez Ojulari
ILB Bobby Okereke
WR Gunner Olszewski
CB Dru Phillips
S Jason Pinnock
DL Jordon Riley
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
G Jon Runyan
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
S/LB Isaiah Simmons
RB Devin Singletary
WR Darius Slayton
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
G Aaron Stinnie
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Andrew Thomas
RB Tyrone Tracy
G Greg Van Roten
OLB Benton Whitley
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