NY Giants rookie safety Xavier McKinney returned to practice for the first time since fracturing his foot back in August.
Arguably the most gifted player on the NY Giants roster missed Wednesday’s practice, but second-round rookie Xavier McKinney took the field for the first time in months ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Cincinnati Bengals.
NY Giants cornerback James Bradberry was excused from practice to tend to a family matter, the team announced after multiple reporters took note that he was not on the field. Giants head coach Joe Judge encouraged Bradberry to spend time with his family Wednesday, and the expectation is that Bradberry will be back for Friday’s practice.
Meanwhile, McKinney getting back on the field is a significant step forward in his recovery from a fractured foot suffered back in August.
The Giants’ second-round pick out of Alabama, McKinney was designated to return from injured reserve this week, and the Giants now have 30 days to determine whether to promote him to the 53-man roster or revert him to the season-ending injured reserve.
Didn’t CB James Bradberry at practice. But there is S Xavier McKinney (29) in first padded practice since the summer. pic.twitter.com/beez8Mtghs
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 25, 2020
The Giants must make a decision on McKinney’s availability for this week’s game by Friday. Sunday, the Giants travel to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 12 contest at Paul Brown Stadium.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.