The New York Giants will continue their preseason on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. And traditionally, Week 3 is when the team’s starters see their highest number of reps.
Will that be the case for the Giants? Head coach Pat Shurmur has been tight-lipped about that, but in 2018, he let his starters play roughly the entire first half — some into the third quarter — in Week 3. And considering the Bengals are the only preseason opponent the Giants won’t meet in the regular season, it stands to reason Shurmur will likely do that again.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the players with the most to gain or lose.
Gain/lose: Alex Tanney
This is an interesting scenario because it could go either way for Tanney depending on how he plays. In Week 1 against the New York Jets, he arguably played at a higher level than Kyle Lauletta. In Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Lauletta had the edge. It appears as if this battle will come down to the last moment and right now, they’re neck and neck.
Gain/lose: Kyle Lauletta
For the very same reason Alex Tanney is listed as someone who can both gain or lose, Lauletta appears on this list. Initially considered the likely man out, Lauletta has played well this summer and given the Giants a lot to think about. How he performs over the final two games will likely determine his position with the team.
Gain: Darius Slayton
Slayton is expected to make his NFL debut on Thursday night, and considering the team’s need for healthy wide receivers to step up, the rookie could position himself not only for a spot on the 53-man roster, but a substantial role on offense. Slayton brings unique speed to the field and we’ll like to see that on display Thursday night.
Lose: Reggie White Jr.
White has been solid but unspectacular so far this summer, flashing at times and showing some rookie growing pains at others. With Da’Mari Scott now gone from the team, White may find himself with some additional reps during the second half on Thursday night and if he doesn’t come through, it could put him into too deep a hole to climb out of.
Gain: Jonathan Hilliman
After an impressive Week 2 performance against the Bears, Hilliman thrust himself back into the competition at running back, which now appears wide open behind Saquon Barkley. If the rookie is able to come out strong and put on another show, it will go a long way in securing him an unexpected spot on the 53-man roster.
Lose: Eli Penny
Either Penny is a given for the 53-man roster or he’s facing more of an uphill battle than some are letting on. No longer expected to play exclusively at fullback, Penny needs to log some noteworthy yardage on the few opportunities he does receive — especially with Rod Smith playing so well and contributing on special teams.
Gain: Johnny Townsend
Expect to get a pretty long look at Johnny Townsend over the next two games as the Giants aim to determine who their starting punter will be in 2019. Recently claimed off of waivers, we didn’t see much of Townsend a week ago, but it’s become immediately clear he’s not just here to push Riley Dixon, but to potentially take his job.
Lose: Riley Dixon
Initially thought to be a shoo-in as the team’s starting punter, Dixon has faced a challenge from Ryan Anderson through much of the spring and summer, and now has Johnny Townsend breathing down his neck. The Giants want to see more Jeff Feagles-like production out of Dixon and if he can’t deliver, he could find himself one-and-done in New York.
Gain: Corey Ballentine
Sam Beal will sit out once again, Antonio Hamilton is banged up, Deandre Baker is recovering from a knee injury and Henre’ Toliver struggled a week ago. From a personal standpoint, that means things are shaping up well for Ballentine, who has overcome personal tragedy to put himself in position to win the No. 2 job alongside Janoris Jenkins coming out of the preseason.
Lose: Back-end of CB depth
Henre’ Toliver, Ronald Zamort and Terrell Sinkfield are all battling for their collective lives at this point. Even in the face of injuries at the position, they are seeing limited reps and not making much of a case to leap-frog any of the injured players. Over the next two weeks, and especially against the Bengals, they need to step up or risk being shipped out.
