Injuries have impacted defense at every level, and the offensive line
The New York Giants, already fielding a depleted roster with several top players on injured reserve, have ruled out four current starters for Sunday’s Week 15 game against Baltimore Ravens.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), left guard Jon Runyan Jr. (ankle) and slot cornerback Andru Phillips (shoulder) will not play. This will be two straight games missed for Okereke, Nunez-Roches and Phillips. Runyan was injured last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Drew Lock, who started the last two games at quarterback, has already been replaced by Tommy DeVito as Sunday’s starter due to heel and left elbow injuries. Head coach Brian Daboll said Friday that Lock had improved enough that he might be able to dress as the emergency third quarterback vs. Baltimore. Practice squad quarterback Tim Boyle will be the No. 2. Lock is officially listed as doubtful.
Starting cornerback Cor’Dale Flott is also listed as doubtful with a quad injury, meaning he is unlikely to play. If Tae Banks (questionable/rib) misses a third straight game, the Giants will be without all three starting cornerbacks and starting safety Tyler Nubin (IR/ankle).
Good news?
There is a smidgen of positive news in the report. Banks might play for the first time in three weeks, and with injuries to Flott, Phillips and Nubin that woud be welcome news.
On the offensive line, neither left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) nor right tackle Evan Neal (hip/ankle) has an injury designation, though both were limited in practice on Friday. That means both are expected to play Sunday vs. the Ravens.
Roster moves coming?
Linebacker Dyontae Johnson and guard/center Austin Schlottman are both listed as questionable. Both are on IR with their practice windows having been opened, and both would have to be added to the 53-man roster if the Giants think they are ready to be activated on Sunday.
There is a natural path to do that with both players. Johnson could replace Okereke, who apparently has a herniated disc in his back, on the roster. Schlottman could replace Runyan, who Daboll has said could be sidelined past this week with his ankle injury.
The 2-11 Giants will be a 16.5-point underdog to the Ravens despite being the home team, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Giants-Ravens injury report
Giants
Out
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Neck/Shoulder)
LB Bobby Okereke (Back)
DB Dru Phillips (Shoulder)
OL Jon Runyan (Ankle)
Doubtful
CB Cor’Dale Flott (Quad)
QB Drew Lock (Heel/Left Elbow)
Questionable
CB Tae Banks (Rib)
OL Chris Hubbard (Knee)
*LB Dyontae Johnson (Ankle)
*OL Austin Schlottmann (Fibula)
Practice participation
Did Not Practice – QB Drew Lock (heel/left elbow), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), LB Bobby Okereke (back), DB Dru Phillips (shoulder), OL Jon Runyan (ankle)
Limited – DB Tae Banks (rib), DB Dane Belton (knee), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (quad), OL Josh Ezeudu (knee), DB Cor’Dale Flott (quad), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder), OL Chris Hubbard (knee), WR Malik Nabers (hip), OL Evan Neal (hip/ankle), DL Jordon Riley (knee), *OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula), OL John Michael Schmitz (neck)
Full – DB Art Green (quad), *LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle)
*In 21-day practice window for return from Injured Reserve
Ravens
Questionable
OLB Adisa Isaac (Hamstring)
S Sanoussi Kane (Hamstring)
NT Michael Pierce* (Calf)
CB T.J. Tampa* (Ankle)
*In 21-day practice window for return from Injured Reserve
