In fact it didn’t matter, as a result of the Giants had been so inept of their 28-6 loss to the Vikings on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
But it surely actually was not look that the Giants had been left so brief on particular groups that they launched into the 2024 season with out a confirmed punt returner.
They went in anticipating that Gunner Olszewski would deal with that position however he didn’t make it out of pregame warm-ups.
Olszewski reaggravated a groin damage he was already coping with because the second preseason recreation and was declared unavailable to play within the recreation.
The Giants in coaching camp had Olszewski and Isaiah McKenzie as their returners however McKenzie was misplaced for the season with a foot damage.
The Giants didn’t exchange him and with Olszewski banged up, they left themselves with no sturdy choices as soon as he went down.
Subsequent up? Darius Slayton.
The 27-year outdated vast receiver often fields punts in follow however by no means — as in ever — in a recreation in his first 5 seasons with the Giants.
“It’s a ability I’ve,’’ Slayton stated. “I can do it, on the finish of the day I’m about no matter I have to do to assist the staff win and when Gunner went down I’m the subsequent most suitable choice on punt return so if that’s the case I’ll return there and do it to one of the best of my means.’’
It didn’t work out too nicely.
Within the second quarter, Ryan Wright despatched a 44-yard punt that appeared like hassle as quickly because the ball began descending.
Slayton was not sure if he ought to run up and catch it on the fly or let it bounce.
He did neither.
He tried to choose the ball up after it bounced however it glanced off his physique.
He was lucky that within the scrum, teammate Dane Belton made the restoration.
“I began to run up on it and catch it after which it sort of caught the wind somewhat bit and moved somewhat greater than I assumed so I used to be simply going to catch it off one bounce,’’ Slayton stated, “and I simply obtained too near the ball. I ought to have simply let it go as a result of that was my first thought.’’
A lot for the much-anticipated bevy of targets on the sphere on the similar time.
Second-year WR Jalin Hyatt barely performed.
He was focused as soon as and had no catches.
Rookie S Tyler Nubin in his NFL debut led the Giants with seven tackles.
Edge rusher Brian Burns didn’t have a big effect in his first recreation with the Giants.
He had 4 tackles and didn’t get close to Vikings QB Sam Darnold.
Particular teamer Carter Coughlin was compelled out within the first half with a pectoral damage.
CB Nick McCloud left with a knee damage.
The Giants’ inactives had been S Anthony Johnson, CB Tre Hawkins, OLB Boogie Basham and OL Jake Kubas.
Tommy DeVito was the third quarterback.
