The New York Giants have two remaining preseason games, including a matchup with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Saturday night, and only a handful of practices before the NFL’s cutdown day on August 26.
That leaves just 10 days for players on the bubble to make an impact and state their case for a spot on Big Blue’s 53-man roster.
Several made the most of their opportunity last week against the Buffalo Bills, but with precious few spots available, no one can afford to become complacent.
With that in mind, here’s a look at five Giants on the bubble who must step up against the Jets.
OL Jake Kubas
Offensive lineman Jake Kubas did little to help himself last week against the Bills. He was the team’s lowest-graded offensive player (by a mile) and didn’t exactly provide any positive film. Even if the Giants decide to carry 10 offensive linemen into Week 1 of the season, Kubas now finds himself battling Joshua Ezeudu, who has played well, and veterans Aaron Stinnie and Evan Neal for a roster spot. By contrast, Stinnie and Ezeudu were the Giants’ two highest-graded offensive players in Week 1 of the preseason.
RB Dante Miller
Unlike Kubas, running back Dante Miller did everything in his power to secure a roster spot last week. He was the Giants’ official offensive player of the game and demonstrated legitimate value, especially as an outlet and security blanket in the screen game. He picked up multiple first downs in and-long situations, and his low yards per carry average was more a mirage than a knock against him. With Cam Skattebo still dealing with injury, Miller can put heavy pressure on the Giants to carry him on the 53-man roster with another impressive performance on Saturday.
WR Montrell Washington
The Giants are locked in on their top four wide receivers, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette also feels like a shoo-in as a return specialist. That potentially leaves a single roster spot and a glut of players competing for it. Montrell Washington had several impressive moments last week against the Bills, but he also had two drops. He’ll need to clean up his errors and find a way to contribute on special teams if he wants to earn a role. Right now, he’s battling Gunner Olszewski, Beaux Collins, Dalen Cambre, and others, and will need to stand out against the Jets.
TE Daniel Bellinger
From starter to bubble, tight end Daniel Bellinger suddenly finds himself in a precarious position. Theo Johnson will be the team’s starter, and it’s unlikely they will risk sending Thomad Fidone to the practice squad. Chris Manhertz is their primary blocking tight end, and Greg Dulcich has a history and chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson. Bellinger has been relatively quiet this summer and stood out against the Bills only because of a missed block last week. As much as the Giants like him, Bellinger needs to bring more to the table.
CB Nic Jones
This spot would have been reserved for rookie cornerback Korie Black, but he’s still dealing with an injury and is unlikely to play on Saturday. He’s also been otherwise unimpressive this summer, opening the door for another corner. With the top four spots likely locked in and Tre Hawkins on the inside track as CB5, that potentially leaves one remaining roster spot. Nic Jones is battling it out with Dee Williams, TJ Moore, Art Green, and the aforementioned Black for that job and must perform better than he did a week ago when he surrendered six receptions on six targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. Tick tock, says the clock.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 5 New York Giants on the bubble who must step up vs. Jets
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
