The New York Giants are less than a week away from their most important regular season game in over seven seasons. At 7-5-1, New York has lost four of their last six games as the injuries they’ve suffered have begun to finally show on the football field.
On Sunday’s 48-22 loss to Philadelphia, the Eagles exploited key injuries to Adoree Jackson and Leonard Williams to total over 430 yards of offense. If people thought that was the only key injury that’s plaguing the Giants’ defense, they are sadly mistaken.
Xavier McKinney has been on IR since the bye week after suffering a broken hand from an ATV accident. Since his injury, New York has gone 1-3-1 in their recent stretch, turning an exciting and improbably 6-1 start to a potential late-season collapse.
If the Giants were to hope to have one of their top captains and defensive players for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, the odds are not likely in their favor.
“I think we have the best training staff and doctors so I’m just trying to listen to them. Just being able to listen and retain, we’re taking it one step at a time. Obviously don’t want to rush anything but I’m trying my best.” McKinney told reporters after Sunday’s loss.
McKinney and the Giants haven’t committed to a return yet even with the safety on the IR/Non-football injury designation. In his absence, the Giants have struggled defensively in the back end with players like CeeDee Lamb, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith all having big games.
While there was much scrutiny over McKinney suffering his injury during the bye week, that doesn’t mean the leader of the Giants defense is comfortable sitting on the sidelines.
“I’m trying my best. I have to listen to the docs. I can’t make my own decision, if I had, I would’ve already been out there the day after surgery.” the former second round pick said.
It remains unlikely that the Giants safety will play in Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. New York tied their NFC East rivals two weeks ago at MetLife Stadium. With the playoffs now up for grabs for both teams, the Giants will need all hands on deck to secure a playoff berth fo the first time since 2016.
That doesn’t mean McKinney is gong to go though.
“Whenever they think that its safe for me to go out and play then that’s what will happen.”
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