Tough Decisions Loom for Joe Judge and Giants

The Giants wrapped up their 2020 training camp and now have some tough decisions to make in the next 48 hours.

The Giant's final scrimmage is in the books, which means that the unusual 2020 summer training camp, which at one point didn't seem as though it would occur, is over.

But thanks to strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety protocols, the New York Giants brass now find themselves getting ready to sit down for what's sure to be a long weekend of discussion over who makes the 53-man roster and who does not.

"It’ll be busy,” head coach Joe Judge said of the next 48+ hours. “It’s not the first time we’re going to talk personnel; it’s not the first time we’ve had the specific conversations we’re going to have the next 48 hours. 

"We just want to make sure we do all of our diligence to get every player the right evaluation to think long-term in terms of what this team is going to be like throughout the season. Ultimately we’re looking to keep as many good players in our program as possible.” 

Injuries and log jams at certain positions could force some difficult decisions for Judge and the personnel brass.

For instance, inside linebacker Blake Martinez has been unable to participate in a full practice for several days due to what appears to be a lower-body injury. 

While Martinez likely isn't in jeopardy of not being on the 53-man roster, given his situation and that of David Mayo's, who is recovering from knee surgery, and the absence of rookie Tae Crowder, will the Giants be forced to keep an extra player at that position?

And what about at receiver, where the Giants have an abundance of guys who seem scratch even in their quest to make the roster. Will the Giants keep five on the roster? Six? And how will the injury to Golden Tate factor in, if at all? 

"Really the biggest thing we’re working on as far as building this roster is building the versatility on both sides of the ball, and that factors into the kicking game as well," Judge said. 

"If we have good versatility, that will allow for us to have multiple game plans and schemes so we can match opponents and deal with different situations we’re going to face."

While Judge is overall pleased with how far the team has come, don't expect him to allow the players or coaches to take their collective foot off the gas pedal.  

“We’re always looking for further improvement,” he said. “You never arrive. You’re never really where you want to be, no matter what level you’re at.”