Giants Cornerback Depth Takes Concerning Turn Ahead of Week 2 Game vs. Rams

With Paulson Adebo on IR and Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II banged up, the Giants' cornerback room is thin ahead of Monday night's game against the Rams.

New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Giants are only one week into their 2026 regular season, and they’re already facing a concerning development.

Three of Big Blue’s top outside cornerbacks are currently ailing. Paulson Adebo just landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, which as far as head coach John Harbaugh is aware, will not require any surgery, though the coach added, “Don’t hold me to it.” 

Starter Deonte Banks, having had his practice participation downgraded from limited to “did not participate” as he nurses a calf injury.

Greg Newsome II, the other starter opposite Banks, is dealing with a rib issue and was limited for the second straight day. Harbaugh said Newsome is “day to day.”

The Giants' cornerback depth, which was shaky to begin with, will now lean on rookie Colton Hood as a potential starter if Banks isn't available. Hood had a mixed bag in the six defensive snaps he played against the Cowboys on Sunday night.

The highlight of his night was blanketing Cowboys receiver George Pickens on a play in which it looked as if Pickens may have pushed off Hood.

On the other hand, Hood missed a tackle on a short completion in front of him. But overall, he finished with a decent showing in limited snaps as he continues to gain experience at the NFL level.

The Giants also have Nic Jones and Ar’Darius Washington who can step in on the boundary, if needed, and they added Nikko Reed from the Chargers’ practice squad for additional depth.

“Yeah, just the cornerback depth kind of looking at our situation there with Paulson [Adebo],” Harbaugh said when asked why they brought in Reed.

“At this time of year it's good to be aggressive, especially at that position. There are still guys on the practice squad who won't last on the practice squad probably too much longer, so it was a good get for us.”

In other injury news, offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and Andrew Thomas, both of whom remain limited, should be good to go for Monday night.

In a new development for the Rams, they added receivers Puka Nacua (hip) and Jordan Whittington (quad) to their Friday practice participation report. Neither receiver participated in Friday’s practice.

Giants Practice Participation Report

Player, POS	Injury	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Status
Andrew Thomas, LT	Ankle	Limited
Paulson Adebo, CB	Knee	DNP	DNP/IR	IR	IR
Deonte Banks, CB	Calf	Limited	DNP
Chauncey Golston, DL	Neck	Limited	Limited
Sisi Mauigoa, RG	Shoulder	Limited	Limited
Micah McFadden, ILB	Neck	Limited	Limited
Greg Newsome II, CB	Rib	Limited	Limited

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Rams Practice Participation Report

Player, POS	Injury	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Status
Kam Curl, SAF	Ankle	Limited	Limited
Omar Speights, ILB	Hip	Limited	Limited
Nate, Landman, ILB	Shoulder	Limited	Limited
Kamren Kinchens, SAF	Hamstring	DNP	DNP
Davante Adams, WR	NIR - Rest	DNP	Full
Puca Nacua, WR	Hip		DNP
Jordan Whittington, WR	Quad		DNP

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