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New York Giants Week 7 Storylines: Injuries, O-line, and More

Here's a look at some of the storylines on tap for the New York Giants in Week 7.
Patricia Traina|
New York Giants Week 7 Storylines: Injuries, O-line, and More
New York Giants Week 7 Storylines: Injuries, O-line, and More

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New York Giants

The New York Giants came close to finding their get-right game last week against the Buffalo Bills--except, of course, the offense's inability to score kind of got in the way.

The good news is that they'll host a Washington Commanders team that has allowed the fourth-most points per game (29.3). So if the Giants can settle their offensive line down, if they have Saquon Barkley in the lineup again, and avoid the stupid mistakes that cost them last week against the Bills, maybe, just maybe, the Giants, who are 5-2-1 against Washington in their last eight meetings, will have an easier time of things.

Here is a look at some of the storylines sure to make headlines this week.

Will Daniel Jones Practice?

Quarterback Daniel Jones hopes to return for this weekend's game against the Commanders. However, when he spoke with Kay Adams on her Up & Adams podcast this week, he didn't sound too sure about that happening.

Still, the Giants, who worked out a pair of quarterbacks (Ian Book and Matt Barkley) on Monday, haven't made any moves to sign them--yet. 

They could be waiting to see how Jones feels and what he might be able to do starting Wednesday before making any kind of move, or perhaps they will continue to roll with Tyrod Taylor as the starter and Tommy DeVito as the backup.

But if another quarterback does enter the picture, that will tell us a lot about Jones's status for the immediate future.

How is Saquon?

Running back Saquon Barkley played in his first game since twisting his ankle in Week 2, despite being limited in practice last week. He seemed to come out of the game no worse for the wear, but we'll see if he continues to be limited in practice or if he finally comes off the injury report.

Regardless, the expectation is that Barkley should be on the field come Sunday. New York desperately needs him if they have a remote chance of breaking out of this slump, and last week, he proved just how valuable he is by giving the opposing defense something to think about.

New York Giants Open as Slim Underdogs vs Washington

The Offensive Line

Another week, another starting offensive line combination is on deck. This time, expect changes at left tackle after Joshua Ezeudu, who had been filling in for Andrew Thomas, landed on injured reserve with a toe ailment.

The Giants added Tyre Phillips and Josh Miles to their 53-man roster. Phillips projects to be the left tackle, assuming Andrew Thomas isn't ready (which will probably be the case). Meanwhile, will the Giants look to elevate Justin Pugh from the practice squad to play left guard again?

That would make sense, considering he has been here a few weeks and knows the plays, whereas Miles, unlike Phillips, will need time to get acclimated to the playbook.

The Other Injured

The Giants had quite the injury report last week, so it will be interesting to see what kind of progress the wounded have made and any new injuries that might have popped up.

Given the additions of the two offensive linemen, the best guess is that tackle Matt Peart (shoulder) probably won't be ready. Center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) is another player whose practice status will be something to follow.

Remember, with Phillips and Miles, because they were signed off another team's practice squad, they need to remain on the Giants' 53-man roster for at least three weeks. So those moves could provide some insight into how much longer the Giants anticipate some of their other banged-up linemen to be missing.

Besides the offensive linemen, let's see if tight end Darren Waller (groin), linebacker Micah McFadden (ankle), or any other players listed as questionable but managed to play last weekend land on the injury report.

Trader Joe

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching (October 31). If they plan to be sellers, the Giants will probably wait until after this game to make any moves.

Regardless, with time ticking away, it's worth watching in the coming days.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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