The clock is ticking for New York Giants hopefuls who are on the bubble. There are just seven days remaining before rosters must be trimmed from 90 players to 53.
Over those seven days, the Giants will conduct a small handful of practices and close out their preseason on Thursday night against the New England Patriots. That leaves precious little time for players to make one final impression.
Here’s a look at seven Giants players on the roster bubble who must put together a strong performance against the Patriots in the preseason finale.
OL Jake Kubas
Jake Kubas got pushed to the bubble the second the Giants decided to shift Evan Neal from tackle to guard. The team still holds him in high regard, however, and that is one reason why they have been trying him at center. He is up against Aaron Stinnie, Jaison Williams, Jimmy Morrissey, and Neal for a backup spot. There are also Joshua Ezeudu and rookie Marcus Mbow to consider. Versatility is the key here. If Kubas can play different roles, the better his chance of sticking.
S Makari Paige
The undrafted rookie out of Michigan is an intriguing player at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. Unfortunately, Makari Paige is one of six safeties in camp, and the Giants will likely keep only four. Tyler Nubin, Jevon Holland, and Dane Belton are locks, Paige is up against K’Von Wallace and Raheem Layne for a roster spot, and needs to build off his strong performance against the Jets to be considered.
CB Korie Black
The seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma State is a competitor and has a marginal chance of making the club, as it’s a crowded field, and Korie Black has missed time, which could bode poorly for him. He has shown some flashes but needs a signature moment to open the coaches’ eyes. He will likely end up on the practice squad.
TE Daniel Bellinger
Daniel Bellinger has done nothing wrong to lose his status as the team’s No. 2 tight end. He does everything well. The problem is, the Giants have a deep TE room with players who do things better. Theo Johnson is the starter, and Chris Manhertz is the top blocking option. The Giants love rookie Thomas Fidone, and it didn’t help Bellinger’s cause that Greg Dulcich made a pretty touchdown catch-and-run last week versus the Jets.
LB Tomon Fox
Another player who is caught in a numbers game. Tomon Fox is a solid player, but the fact is, the Giants have gotten better at linebacker and edge rusher over the past two years. On the outside, the Giants have Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and Chauncey Golston. Tough group for anyone to crack. Let’s not forget they also have undrafted free agent Trace Ford, who has played very well on defense and special teams.
WR Montrell Washington
A training camp and preseason favorite, Montrell Washington, has stood out to the point where he’s going to be hard to cut. But chances are, he will. The Giants’ wide receiver room is flowing over. Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt are locks. Lil’Jordan Humphery and Zack Pascal appeal to the coaching staff due to their physical nature. One or both of Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Gunner Olszewski will make the team as a returner. Undrafted rookie Beaux Collins is likely a keeper. There’s only room for maybe one more, and Washington will have to fend off a slew of other UDFAs for that spot.
DL Elijah Garcia
Elijah Garcia was brought up from the practice squad late last season and will probably be back there come next week. There are just too many other players in front of him on the depth chart right now: Dexter Lawrence, Rakeen Nunez-Roches, D.J. Davidson, Darius Alexander, Jordan Riley, and Cory Durden.
