After a day off from training camp, the New York Giants resumed practice on Monday ahead of their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on WNBC-TV and WFAN.
Head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media before practice, discussing whether starters would play in the upcoming game. “That’s something in the next few days we’ll talk about as a coaching staff, and we’ll do whatever we think is best for the team,” Daboll said. “But right now, these first few days are going to be about the Giants, we’ll have a plan here. I wouldn’t say necessarily tonight or tomorrow, we’ll let these guys go and we’ll do what we think is best for the team. Could they play? Yeah, they sure could play.”
During practice No. 10, several players stood out in both offensive and defensive drills. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Zach Pascal during 11-on-11 drills inside the 10-yard line. Quarterback Jameis Winston also connected with tight end Greg Dulcich for a score, while Tommy DeVito found running back Dante Miller in the end zone.
Wide receiver Gunner Olszewski made notable plays at the end of practice after recently rejoining the team following Bryce Ford-Wheaton’s Achilles injury. Olszewski capped his performance by catching a touchdown pass from Winston.
On defense, safety Jevón Holland intercepted a pass intended for Wan’Dale Robinson and returned it upfield.
Among other highlights, Montrell Washington made a one-handed catch during 7-on-7 drills from Dart. After practice, Washington commented on his approach: “I’m just trying to make a play just to get on the team, to be honest with you,” he said. “That’s just really it, I’m just trying to make plays every day. A play a day, my motto, a play a day, keeps the coaches away. So, I’m trying to make as many plays as I can.”
Tight end Theo Johnson made an early sideline catch from Wilson. Cornerbacks Deonte Banks, TJ Moore, and Tre Hawkins III broke up passes during various drills; Hawkins’ effort prevented Lil’Jordan Humphrey from scoring on a throw by Dart.
Quarterback Wilson continued to show chemistry with wide receiver Malik Nabers on deep passes throughout practice.
Coach Daboll spoke about Wilson’s influence on Nabers: “I think he’s had a very positive impact on Malik,” Daboll said of Wilson. “They have a good relationship, they spend a lot of time in the meeting room and then they spend time outside just in terms of body maintenance, how Russ takes care of his body, the things he’s done to have a long career. He’s kind of grabbed hold of that, asks a lot of questions, he’s very involved.
“Talking about Malik in the meetings, communicative. I know you see a lot of the plays that he makes out on the field. But the thing I’m most proud of is the growth he’s made as an individual in the meeting rooms, outside the building. And I think Russ has had a big impact on that as well. He’s one of our best players, in terms of Malik. And I think he’s made strides from year one to year two in a lot of areas. And I’m very proud of how he’s approached really the whole offseason and then into training camp. But I do think that the relationship he has with Russ has been impactful.”
Jalin Hyatt also caught an impressive back-shoulder throw from Wilson along the left sideline.
On defense again, Brian Burns recorded another would-be sack during team drills—a regular occurrence so far this camp—while Dante Miller drew defensive pass interference to help set up Olszewski’s touchdown reception.
The Giants’ next open practice will take place when they host joint practices with the Jets on August 13.
