After three consecutive weeks of facing NFC West teams, the New York Giants will gear up for back-to-back road games against the co-leaders of the AFC East. First up is a trip to Miami, where the 3-1 Dolphins have the most total yards (2,044) through the first four games of a season in NFL history. Then it is onto Buffalo, where the Bills improved to 3-1 with a 48-20 victory over said Dolphins last week.
Coach Brian Daboll set the table for the short week and met with the media late Wednesday morning before the Giants began on-field preparations for the Dolphins. Here's what you need to know:
🔹Already playing without All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas for three weeks, the offensive line could have more shuffling to do. Rookie center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and guard Shane Lemieux (groin) were injured Monday night. All three of them did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
🔹Running back Saquon Barkley was limited Wednesday but managed to do some team reps for first time since suffering an ankle injury late in Week 2.
🔹Tight end Daniel Bellinger injured his knee on the same play that Schmitz did and was limited to start the week. Daboll acknowledged how it affected fellow tight end Darren Waller's usage. "Well, it depends on the personnel you are using, so some of the stuff you have Bellinger do when Waller's outside, now you have to put Waller where Bellinger is, and he has to do some of those roles and then you have to use another receiver, if you will, where Waller would be. "
🔹Right guard Marcus McKethan (knee) and right tackle Evan Neal (hand/ankle) were also limited. "I think they'll be ready to play," Daboll said.
🔹Daboll doesn't believe Schmitz's injury is a "long-term" issue. Daboll didn't completely shut the door on the second-round pick for this week, but he's not ready as of Wednesday.
🔹The Giants signed Justin Pugh to their practice squad on Tuesday, reuniting the offensive lineman with the team that selected him 19th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Pugh worked off to the side in his first practice to get him acclimated. Is there a chance he plays on Sunday? "Probably not," Daboll said. Pugh, 33, has started 119 regular-season games at every offensive line position other than center – 73 at left guard, 38 at right tackle, seven at right guard, and one at left tackle. His two postseason starts, one apiece with the Giants and Cardinals, were both at left guard.
🔹Daboll is "leaning towards no" for Thomas this week, but they're not ready to make that determination yet.
🔹Ben Bredeson, who slid over from guard to center after Schmitz went down, is a "smart guy, knows all our calls, had a bunch of reps (at center) in the summer."
🔹Rookie cornerback Tre Hawkins III had no defensive snaps on Monday night after playing the majority in his first three games, including a start in the season opener. "It was based on who we were playing in terms of how we were matching the corners and part of the game plan. We're talking about that this week of how we want to deploy our guys, and that's probably going to be a week-to-week discussion."
🔹Running back Gary Brightwell (ankle), outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) were limited.
🔹Ojulari didn't have any setbacks. "We're just going to limit him today."
🔹Robinson, meanwhile, played 48 snaps in his second game back from a torn ACL. "He had more reps, so we're giving him a limited snap count today."
🔹Rookie running back Eric Gray will resume his punt return duties. The fifth-round pick muffed Seattle's first punt on Monday night. Giants teammate Nick McCloud recovered the ball, but Gray was replaced for the rest of the game by veteran cornerback Adoree' Jackson. "He's caught the ball well," Daboll said when asked about Gray. "He had the one (catch) interference against San Francisco, the interference with the kick. Done a good job out here at practice. Again, some of that was their punter. He's got some unique punts, too. Saw the first one and thought that was the right thing to do for the team."
🔹Veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard has played just 31 snaps since he re-signed with the team this offseason. They have amounted to just two catches for 10 yards. That could all change soon. "We have a bunch of personnel groups with different receivers in them. You can see there is a lot of different guys out there. Shep has them, too. They weren't called, so I'd anticipate seeing him a little bit more. How many? I don't know what that is, but I'd anticipate seeing him a little bit more."
🔹In 2017, Daboll returned to collegiate coaching for the first time in 18 years when he became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama, which finished 13-1 and earned its 17th national championship. Daboll coached future NFL quarterbacks Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones, and this week's upcoming opponent, Tua Tagovailoa. "I'm not surprised (by his success). Not surprised. I have a lot of respect for Tua and how he plays that position, some of the stuff he went through early on in his career. He's got great anticipation, he's accurate, he's a leader, and I am not surprised at all with the success he has had. He's bounced back from some tough things injury-wise, but he's a heck of a quarterback."
What does Daboll remember early on about him?
"That he's very accurate, that he's very instinctive, he's a great young man. Loves the game of football, has good leadership about him. You can see the players really respect him and how he handles himself. Again, he's very, very accurate. He throws on time, he's a heck of a player and he's a great person, too."
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins
Doug Kotar of the New York Giants goes flying as he is upended by Miami's Curtis Johnson in the third period at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1977. Kotar managed to advance the ball for a first down. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Mercury Morris (22) of the Miami Dolphins against New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 10, 1972. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants is stopped after a two yard gain in the first quarter of NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, Sundays, Sept. 11, 1977 in East Rutherford. The tackle is made by Dolphins Vern Den Herder and Bob Baumhower (73), right. (AP Photo/RFS)
Miami Dolphins safety Mike Kezlowski takes to the air against New York Giants Tom Mullady in the fourth period of exhibition game. The Dolphins won the final exhibition game of the NFL pre-season 24-3 at Giants Stadium on August 26, 1983 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts to a touchdown scored in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 24, 1990. (AP Photo/Bobeto Matthews)
Running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants becomes airborne as he runs over Bryan Cox (51) of the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Fla., Dec. 5, 1993. Also pictured is Jarrod Bunch (33) of the Giants. (AP Photo/Wayne Fleisher)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) unloads a pass during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Dec. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Miami Dolphins Ricky Williams(34) in action against the New York Giants on October 5, 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins runningback Ricky Williams is upended by New York Giants' Omar Stoutmire, right, and Kenny Holmes during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Miami Dolphins Sam Madison(29) in action during a game against New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 5, 2003. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10 . Sam Madison played for 12 years with 2 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) scrambles against the New York Giants Kawika Mitchell (55) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Sam Madison (29) breaks up a pass intended for the Miami Dolphins Derek Hagan (82) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for yardage against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) passes against the New York Giants during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) pulls down Miami Dolphins' Jesse Chatman (28) during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) contests the ball with Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, is sacked by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) and Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith, rear, tackles New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99)m during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) and outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) winds to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs off the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins defensive end Avery Moss (93) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) tries to stop New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Miami Dolphins free safety Adrian Colbert (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) and RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Elerson Smith (94)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
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