When the Giants woke up after the season opener, it was already Thursday in terms of regular game prep.
The team is operating on a condensed schedule this week before the Thursday Night Football matchup with the Washington Football Team at FedExField, leaving no time to dwell on the Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. Judge took the podium Tuesday morning at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center to preview the upcoming game.
Here is what you need to know:
🔹 Judge said they reviewed the tape yesterday and started installation for Washington. He then went into his weekly scouting report, saying Washington's Ron Rivera is a "terrific" head coach. His team plays with an aggressive, downhill attitude.
🔹 Judge said Washington is a fundamentally sound team that tackles well. On offense, they've added explosive players.
🔹 The Giants "cannot sleep" on backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who will start for the foreseeable future in Washington after Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a hip injury. Signed last December as an emergency option, Heinicke nearly upset the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round. Heinicke has played in 10 career games and is 0-2 as a starter, including the postseason appearance. Kyle Allen will serve as the backup.
🔹 Judge said there is "not one part" that lacks talent on Washington's roster.
🔹 Judge understands the daily questions from the media about the offensive line. Judge sees things you can build on with the group. It all starts with camaraderie at that position as they continue to rotate players up front. He said they hear everything said on the outside, but they don't worry about it inside the building. "I see the way they work every day."
🔹 Judge said not to read into guard Shane Lemieux's practice status because of the short week. It doesn't necessarily mean much for his game status. Today is more of a walk-through practice. Lemieux was listed as "did not participate" on Monday's injury report as he continue to deal with a knee issue. Tight end Evan Engram (calf) and linebacker Cam Brown (knee) also did not participate while running back Saquon Barkley was limited. It should be noted neither the Giants nor Washington conducted practice Monday. The injury reports were an estimation of what players would have done if the teams had practiced.
🔹 Judge said defensive end Chase Young is a "rare" player. You can see the way his team rallies around the former second overall draft pick and 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
🔹 Judge was asked if Engram has a chance to play his week. "Hope so." He's pushing to try to play. Engram missed the season opener.
View photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders.
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