EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Saquon Barkley celebrated his third career Player of the Week award in the only manner he deems appropriate.
"Just come into work," Barkley said after Wednesday's practice. "That's the only thing I can do. I already went back, watched film, wrote my notes, ball security."
That latter point dominated his thoughts more than all the good he did in the Giants' 21-20 season-opening victory against the Tennessee Titans Sunday in Nissan Stadium. Barkley fumbled the ball at the end of a 33-yard run on the Giants' final offensive series. Had the Titans recovered, the Giants' celebration might well have never occurred. But the ball went out-of-bounds, the Giants retained possession and soon took their only lead of the game.
"I got lucky in that situation, that could've gone the wrong way," Barkley said. "That could've hurt us instead of helping us. Got to be better in ball security, got to be better in pass pro. Still missed some opportunities out there, left a lot of yards. So that's my focus, just coming in and seeing what I can do better and when the game comes, execute the plays that I'm able to execute.
"Every game might not be a 194-yard performance, but whatever I can do to help the team win, that's what I want to be able to do."
He certainly accomplished that mission in Nashville. Barkley rushed for 164 yards, his highest total in almost three years and the most ever by a Giants back on opening day. The previous mark was 146 yards by Tiki Barber against St. Louis in 2003.
Barkley led the Giants with six receptions, for 30 yards. He scored the game-winning points when he caught a shovel pass from Daniel Jones for a two-point conversion with 1:06 remaining.
He even managed to accomplish a statistical oddity. Barkley's longest gain was 68 yards, the fourth time in his career he ripped off a run exactly that length. Since he entered the NFL in 2018, there have been only two other rushes of exactly 68 yards – one each by Derrick Henry and Dontrell Hillard, who were Tennessee's top two rushers last week.
Barkley led all NFL players in Week 1 with his 164 rushing yards and 194 yards from scrimmage. He was an easy choice as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
"It's great, but any individual award is really a team award," he said. "I don't get that without the help of my offensive linemen, wide receivers blocking down the field, (quarterback) Daniel (Jones) making great calls and (offensive Coordinator Mike) Kafka making great calls. At the end of the day, the most important thing last week was getting the win and we've got to shift to Carolina."
That's Barkley characteristically not looking behind at what he has accomplished, but ahead to what he and the Giants can do next, starting with the home opener Sunday against the Panthers.
"Don't overreact," he said. "Just focus on the little things. At the end of the day, we got a win, but I said it when I talked last Thursday, no matter if we won by 40 or lost by 40, we had a great week of practice, we had a great week of preparation, so we've got to continue to fall in love with the process. As a leader and all leaders on this team, we've got to try to keep that the mindset for the team. So just keep moving, keep taking it one day at a time and get ready for Carolina."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Caroline Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Dan Morgan (55) after a one yard gain in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) in the first quarter of their wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (/AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) for an eight yard loss in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Kathy Willens/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs through the line for a short gain during the Giants' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Barber went over 10,000 career yards rushing in the second quarter on the way to his fifth 100-yard game of the season. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) reaches out to intercept a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) defends during the third quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) knocks a pass away from Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) during the fourth quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Weinke, left, throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, right, during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, center, barrels past Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs, left, and Thomas Davis, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) gains some of the 82 yards he contributed to the Giants final scoring drive that helped them score the winning touchdown in the Giants 34-28 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fakes a handoff to Madison Hedgecock during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) drives over Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) breaks across the line as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the first quarter of the Giants NFL football victory over the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs for 13 yards past Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) during a Giants scoring drive in the Giants' 34-28 overtime victory in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, left, runs for a 34-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) breaks a tackle from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants go up against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) celebrates a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka (94) looks to defend a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) applies pressure against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is rushed by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson (25) defends Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as he is defended by Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (02) gets hit by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 14-9 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a tip toe sideline pass while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass to Carolina Panthers' Gary Barnidge (82), over Giants' Jonathan Goff (54) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) fumbles as he is sacked by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Carolina recovered the ball. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by New York Giants' Barry Cofield (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Moore fumbled, but Carolina recovered. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate Ahmad Bradshaw as Carolina Panthers' Sherrod Martin (23) walks away during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) catches a touchdown pass past Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) tries to break a tackle in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, September 20, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) starts his run as Carolina Panthers' Frank Alexander (90) pushes away from New York Giants' Will Beatty (65) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) strips Carolina Panther Joe Adams (15) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) gets some help from teammate, Henry Hynoski (45) as he muscles over Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles for a gain against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive back Stevie Brown (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after interception a throw during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Jay Bromley (96) tackles Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72), Jasper Brinkley (53) and Cullen Jenkins (99) tackle Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) tackles New York Giants' Andre Williams (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) breaks a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) and Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown in front of Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) tackles him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Shane Vereen (34) gets up after being tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) as Thomas Davis (58) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' David Mayo (55) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Carolina Panthers line up against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Wes Horton (96) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) is upended by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Carolina Panthers the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Jihad Ward (55)
Dane Belton (24)
*Kadarius Toney, the Giants' 2021 first-round draft choice, participated in just seven snaps in Tennessee.
"At the end of the day, I was there when my number was called," Toney said. "Simple. … I did my job. I get paid to do one thing, do my job."
Was he disappointed he didn't play more?
"Disappointed in a victory?" he said. "Disappointed in winning? You sound crazy. … If I played two plays, one play and we win – I don't really care nothing about getting no…it's okay."
Toney's only two touches were fourth-quarter rushing attempts. On the first, he took a handoff from Daniel Jones and ran around left end for 19 yards. On the second, Jones threw the ball backward to Jones, who cocked his arm to throw a pass before tucking the ball under his arm and scrambling for a four-yard gain.
"I was pretty close (to throwing it)," Toney said. "At the time, the defenders got too close to me and I didn't have a good look that I wanted down field. I ended up making a better decision."
At his postgame news conference, coach Brian Daboll was asked about the decision to play Toney so little.
"We have personnel groups for all our receivers," Daboll said. "We'll do that for every game. Maybe it's more. Maybe it's less. It just depends on what we're calling and what (offensive coordinator) Mike (Kafka's) calling and what we see. And he's in plenty of them. Some of them. Obviously, we didn't get to some of them. I thought the plays he was in on, he did his job. Made a good decision on the one play down there at the end to take care of the football and get four yards."
Given the burst he showed on the jet sweep and the flashes he showed as a rookie last year, does Toney need to be more involved?
"We'll see," Daboll said. "I mean, whatever we think we got to do for that week. We got a bunch of receivers active. We'll figure out ways to put him in a game. Maybe it's less. Maybe it's more. Each week is different. Who's inactive might be different. I think it depends on everything leading up to it. That's why we make those decisions."
*Starting cornerback Aaron Robinson, who participated in 62 of the 65 defensive snaps in Tennessee, will not play Sunday against Carolina after having his appendix removed today.
The Giants are not speculating about Robinson's potential return date.
"I don't know if anybody can really tell you how long when it comes to that," Daboll said. "So, just wish him well. Took care it as soon as we could, and next man up mentality."
And which men might those be?
"We have guys on the roster, whether they're on the practice squad, that are going to compete – (rookie Cor'Dale) Flott; (Fabian) Moreau; (Nick) McCloud, we'll see where he's at; Zyon (Gilbert); (Justin) Layne. So, we got a group in there that will work to compete, and we'll end up picking like we usually do on Friday evening."
*Neither of the Giants' Robinsons practiced today. Rookie wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson sat out with a knee injury suffered against the Titans.
"He's grinding back," Daboll said. "I'd say the difference of him from the day after the game to even today is pretty significant. So, we'll see how it goes. We're not going to put him out there today. But he's gotten a lot better just in those two days."
Cornerback Nick McCloud (hamstring) was the third Giants player who did not participate in practice.
*Four players were limited: linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), defensive end Azeez Ojulari (calf), center Jon Feliciano (lower leg) and defensive back Jason Pinnock (shoulder).
*Rookie safety Dane Belton practiced fully for the first time since injuring his clavicle in training camp.
