NY Giants rookie Xavier McKinney ‘making progress’
NY Giants rookie Xavier McKinney’s return isn’t imminent, but the Alabama alum is ‘making progress’ in his rehab from a broken foot, Joe Judge says
The NY Giants had high hopes and lofty expectations for second-round rookie Xavier McKinney this season, that is before the second-round pick out of Alabama fractured his foot back in August, mere weeks before making his NFL debut.
McKinney took the bulk of first-team reps throughout training camp, but has not been on the field since August 28.
Tuesday, NY Giants head coach Joe Judge offered an encouraging update on McKinney’s rehab.
“He’s doing a really good job in his rehab. I know the trainers are pleased with the progress he’s making. Obviously, everyone is on their own individual timetable, but I do know I see him in the weight room making progress.”
McKinney is eligible to return at any time, since he’s already missed three games on injured reserve. However, there’s no indication that McKinney’s will be getting back in action anytime soon. But, Judge and the Giants have been sure to keep McKinney engaged throughout each week this season so he’s ready to hit the ground running once his foot is ready, too.
“He does a tremendous job for us in meetings,” Judge said of McKinney. “[Of] staying engaged, staying up on scouting reports of other teams. We give him some projects internally to make sure he improves his own football IQ in terms of how to look at the other teams, that he’s mentally preparing and mentally advancing while he can’t physically be on the field for us. But him, along with all the other guys that are on that IR basis, they’re doing a good job working, doing everything the trainers ask them to and they’re making daily improvement.”
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Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.