NY Giants training camp: 5 players making strong cases to make the roster

Several players who entered NY Giants training camp on the roster bubble, have already made compelling cases to make the 53-man roster this summer 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Injuries have suddenly become a common theme at NY Giants camp, with key players on both sides of the ball missing substantial practice time so far this summer.

However, as players such as Giants running back Saquon Barkley, tight end Kyle Rudolph, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, and several linebackers work their way back onto the field, several players who opened this summer on the roster bubble have made compelling cases to make the team.

Here’s a look at five players who suddenly appear to have a legitimate chance of making the NY Giants’ roster, thanks to strong early training camp performances:

Niko Lalos – OLB/DE

For the last several days, Lalos has spent significant time with the first-team defense at outside linebacker.

Rookie Elerson Smith’s injury, and Oshane Ximines opening camp on the PUP list likely pushed Lalos back to the top of the depth chart, after he proved late last season that he’s capable of making big plays when called upon, but still it’s surprising to see him get such extended run with the first-team.

Much like late last season, Lalos has been around the ball at times, including batting down a couple of passes. Once Ximines gets acclimated and up to speed, Elerson returns, and rookie Azeez Ojulari is able to consistently get on the field in full-team periods, we’ll have a better understanding of where Lalos stands, but for now, he’s getting valuable reps with the starting defense.