New York Giants rookie cornerback DeAndre Baker made a shocking admission following a 37-18 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, telling reporters that he’s essentially playing blind and hasn’t familiarized the defensive playbook.
That’s a startling claim for one of the team’s first-round picks and active starter, but it’s not going to change anything as head coach Pat Shurmur announced on Tuesday that Baker will remain the team’s starter.
Meanwhile, Shurmur also noted that rookie Corey Ballentine, who saw his first real action at cornerback on Monday night, will likely continue to see substantial snaps at the nickle position, taking over for Grant Haley, who is a little banged up and has struggled in recent weeks.
Ballentine’s promotion came at an interesting time as the Giants have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday to activate cornerback Sam Beal (hamstring) from injured reserve, which Shurmur said the team will do.
In order to put Beal back on their 53-man roster, the Giants will need to make a corresponding transaction, but Shurmur ave no indication of what that would be.
Injury notes:
- TE Evan Engram suffered a foot injury against the Cowboys, but the team does not seem to believe it’s a substantial issue or anything that will prevent Engram from playing in Week 10.
- WR Sterling Shepard remains in concussion protocol and Shurmur now calls the situation “serious.”
