AT A GLANCE
The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-22 in their second outing of the preseason, but much of the attention coming out of MetLife Stadium was on the status of Kayvon Thibodeaux, the fifth overall draft pick who left in the first half with a knee injury.
UP NEXT
The Giants will hold a joint practice with the Jets on Thursday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center ahead of Sunday's preseason finale at MetLife Stadium. NFL clubs must also trim their rosters to 80 players on Aug. 23 before the final reduction to 53 by 4 p.m. on Aug. 30.
View photos from the home preseason opener between the Giants and Bengals at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger (45) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals' Akeem Davis-Gaither, left, during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants wide receiver Collin Johnson (15) runs toward Cincinnati Bengals' Tre Flowers (33) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks over the defense during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals' Tre Flowers (33) tackles New York Giants' Collin Johnson during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Evan Neal during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates III (30) tackles New York Giants' David Sills V (13) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Evan Neal during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals' Jessie Bates III (30) tackles New York Giants' David Sills V (13) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez tackles Cincinnati Bengals' Kendric Pryor (19) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' David Sills V (13) gestures after making a catch during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) gestures to teammats during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (45) is tackled by defenders during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants defensive end Ryder Anderson (90) tackles Cincinnati Bengals' Chris Evans (25) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Cincinnati Bengals' Dax Hill (23) tackles New York Giants' David Sills (13) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants defensive end Ryder Anderson (90) tackles Cincinnati Bengals' Chris Evans (25) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Antonio Williams (21) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Chris Myarick during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Davis Webb (12) throws a pass as Cincinnati Bengals' Jalen Davis (35) closes in during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (81) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Jashaun Corbin (25) dives past Cincinnati Bengals' Jalen Davis (35) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Jamie Gillan kicks a field goal during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Antonio Williams (21) rushes during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Jashaun Corbin (25) dives past Cincinnati Bengals' Jalen Davis (35) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Davis Webb (12) throws a pass during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Davis Webb (12) looks to pass during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Davis Webb (12) throws a pass to Alex Bachman (81) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Jamie Gillan celebrates after kicking a field goal during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants wide receiver Richie James (80) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Jamie Gillan, center, celebrates with teammates after kicking a field goal during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Davis Webb (12) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, right, shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after an NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (81) runs past Cincinnati Bengals' Allan George (42) for a touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, right, shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after an NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Munson)
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
*Quarterback Daniel Jones played the first three series of the game and completed all but two of his 16 passing attempts for 116 yards. One of those incompletions was an interception, but his night ended on a high note with an 11-play, 84-yard touchdown drive.
*Backup Tyrod Taylor completed seven of 11 passes for 37 yards before third-stringer Davis Webb came in and finished 22 of 27 for 204 yards and two touchdowns (122.8 passer rating). Webb also ran in a two-point conversion attempt to give the Giants a two-point lead with 8:57 remaining in the game. Overall, Giants quarterbacks completed 43 of 54 passes (79.6 percent).
*With Saquon Barkley getting the night off, Antonio Williams got the start at running back after he led the team with nine carries for 61 yards and a touchdown in the opener. He ran five times for 26 yards and added seven catches for 46 yards. But it was Jashaun Corbin who found the end zone this time, capping Jones' aforementioned drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown.
*Wide receiver Collin Johnson, who had a team-high 82 yards on seven catches against New England, continued his impressive summer with three more catches for 41 yards on Sunday night. He was one of four receivers who had a long reception of at least 20 yards. The others were David Sills V (five catches for 56 yards), Keelan Doss (one catch for 20 yards), and Alex Bachman, who was the star of the night with 11 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Bachman's second was a 15-yard, go-ahead score with 35 seconds remining.
*Before Friday's practice, coach Brian Daboll announced Max Garcia would start at center while the following offensive linemen could not play against Cincinnati: Jamil Douglas, Ben Bredeson, Josh Ezeudu, Garrett McGhin, Jon Feliciano, and Shane Lemieux. Nick Gates and Matt Peart remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Devery Hamilton started for Lemieux at left guard.
*The Giants, who are down numbers up front, signed two offensive linemen heading into Sunday's game. They added Chris Owens, an undrafted rookie out of Alabama who was recently released by the Steelers, and brought back Josh Rivas, whom the Giants waived on Aug. 14. In corresponding moves, the Giants waived defensive tackle Christopher Hinton and placed wide receiver Robert Foster (hamstring) on injured reserve.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
*All eyes turned to rookie outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux in the second quarter, when the fifth overall draft pick went down and did not initially get up. The medical team brought out the cart, but Thibodeaux eventually walked off the field under his own power. The team announced it was knee injury, and he did not return.
*The Giants also lost inside linebacker Darrian Beavers, another member of the 2022 draft class, with a knee injury.
*Cornerback Khalil Dorsey had the lone sack of the night. Rookie linebacker Micah McFadden, a fifth-round pick from Indiana, led the team with five tackles.
*Outside linebacker Tomon Fox sealed the victory with a big hit to force a fumble on Cincinnati's final effort.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
*After scoring their first touchdown, the Giants allowed a 73-yard kickoff return to Chris Evans. The Giants later announced that kicker Graham Gano was ruled out with a concussion. The woes didn't stop there. Cincinnati turned the long return into a field goal, and C.J. Board was hit hard on the ensuing kickoff return, causing him to lose the football. He was ruled out with a rib injury.
*Punter Jamie Gillan assumed Gano's kicking duties in the second half and made a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Do-it-all safety Julian Love was the holder.
*After his touchdown catch, Bachman made a tackle on the ensuing kickoff to pin the Bengals at their own 17.
INJURY REPORT
*OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), WR C.J. Board (ribs), K Graham Gano (concussion), ILB Darrian Beavers (knee)
GAME DAY CAPTAINS
*LT Andrew Thomas, DL Dexter Lawrence
