The fourth and final preseason game is always a tough watch for football fans. Stars and starters usually sit, giving way to the backup players who are fighting for roster spots.
The New York Giants are no different. Here are three things to watch for Thursday versus the New England Patriots.
Offensive line depth
The Giants will go with nine, possibly 10 lineman due to the fact that they have several guys coming off surgeries. Seven spots are spoken for: Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Jon Halapio, Spencer Pulley, Kevin Zeitler and Mike Remmers. Rookie tackle George Asafo-Adjei (concussion) could be headed for IR.
That leaves three spots for Chad Wheeler, Victor Salako, Brian Mihalik, Paul Adams, Nick Gates, Malcolm Bunche, Evan Brown, James O’Hagan and Chad Slade to vie for.
According to Pat Shurmur, the spots are wide open, so a good showing on Thursday will go a long way in making the team.
Cornerback
Veteran Janoris Jenkins is the only concrete starter, the rest is still very much unsettled. First-round pick Deandre Baker is the favorite to start across from Jackrabbit but he’s been slowed by a knee injury and is just getting his “sea legs” back under him.
Sam Beal is still dealing with a hamstring and has two days to prove to the coaches why he shouldn’t be place on IR for the second season in a row. That has left the door open for another rookie, Corey Ballentine, and veteran Antonio Hamilton, who have shown they can possibly handle the job.
In the slot/nickel role, Grant Haley is try to stave off fourth-round pick Julian Love and the race is still close. Henre’ Tolliver is a bubble player who might benefit if an injury opens a spot.
Wide receiver
Sterling Shepard will be the No. 1 wideout on opening day in Dallas with Cody Latimer as the No. 2. With Golden Tate suspended for the first four games and the depth chart still a work in progress, the competition for playing time is a hot one. None of those three are likely to play in this game.
Veterans Russell Shepard, Bennie Fowler and Alonzo Russell are all trusted by the coaching staff and Eli Manning, so look for those three to be the next men up.
Free agent pickup T.J. Jones is likely to see some snaps along with rookie Reggie White Jr. Rookie Darius Slayton (hamstring) could be a no-go and that would put his roster spot up for grabs. Also, look for journeyman Brittan Golden will try to build on his performance from last week. UDFA Alex Wesley (ankle) could be held out, which will end his chances of making the team.
