Copyright New York Post
A defense that is coming off a game in which it was great for three quarters and historically bad in the fourth quarter is now hurting. Three key starters were injured in Sunday’s 33-32 loss in Denver and none were able to practice Wednesday as the Giants took the field to prepare for their rematch with the Eagles. Outside linebacker Brian Burns, cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee) and safety Jevon Holland (knee) all sat out. Chauncey Golston (neck), a reserve defensive lineman, also was unavailable. Head coach Brian Daboll said none of these injuries are long term but there are no assurances that any of the players will be ready to go this weekend. Burns walked out of the locker room in Denver with a boot on his right ankle. He is listed as having an issue with his hip and he did not sound concerned about his availability this weekend. “I’m good,” he said. If Adebo is not able to play, it appears as if next in line is Deonte Banks, the 2023 first-round pick who has essentially been benched in favor of Cor’Dale Flott. “We’ll see where Paulson is,” Daboll said, “but Tae’s got to be ready to play. They all do.” There was some good news on the injury front, as wide receiver Darius Slayton was able to return to practice on a limited basis. He started the first five games of the season before going down with a strained hamstring in the Week 5 loss to the Saints, an injury that caused him to miss the past two games. “Trending in that direction,” Slayton said of playing against the Eagles. “Feel good, had a good week last week of getting my body right and hopefully will be able to build toward Sunday. I’m optimistic.” The Giants added a wide receiver — to the practice squad. It is Ray-Ray McCloud, a 29-year-old who was released by the Falcons on Tuesday. McCloud in 94 NFL games for five different teams has 152 receptions for 1,454 yards and two touchdowns. He is also a kick returner. McCloud was a 2018 sixth-round pick of the Bills when Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo. The sale of 10 percent of the Giants to Julia Koch and her family was made official. This is a minority, non-controlling interest in a team with a valuation of $10 billion. The partnership was approved Wednesday by the NFL at the League Meeting. “On behalf of the entire Mara family, I would like to welcome Julia and her family to the New York Giants,” co-owner John Mara said. “It was clear during our discussions that Julia and her family understood the importance of this franchise to the Mara and Tisch families and the relationship we have with our fans and community. Our discussions were productive, and we are pleased to have them as a part of the New York Giants.” Co-owner Steve Tisch said, “The Tisch family is proud to have Julia and her family join the Tisches and Maras as we enter this new century of New York Giants football. With an ever-evolving sports landscape, we have a partnership that will strengthen our organization.” Koch said: “My family and I are honored to join the Giants organization, a storied franchise with deep roots in New York. We look forward to supporting the Mara and Tisch families to advance the team’s continued success and appreciate the partnership with two great families.”
