NY Giants vs. Jets: 7 Players with the most to gain in preseason opener

The NY Giants’ preseason opener against the Jets Saturday night at MetLife Stadium presents a major opportunity for players fighting for a roster spot, or starting job

NY Giants football is back … Sort of.

Saturday night, the NY Giants host the Jets in the exhibition opener at MetLife Stadium, but don’t expect many of the marquee offseason additions to see the field and if Daniel Jones leads the starting offense out there on the opening series, it will likely be the briefest of previews of what’s to come.

Giants head coach Jo Judge has already stated that the preseason opener will be treated like the old fourth preseason game, as the NFL will stage only three exhibition games for the first time this summer, meaning this game should feature extended snaps for young players and those at the bottom of the roster trying to make the club.

That doesn’t mean there’s no reason to watch, though.

Here’s a look at seven NY Giants players with the most at stake Saturday against the Jets:

Rodarius Williams – NY Giants CB

Injuries have created very real opportunity for the NY Giants’ rookie cornerback.

Given the NY Giants’ relative lack of proven options at the slot cornerback position, after adding Adoree’ Jackson to pair opposite James Bradberry on the perimeter, Williams’ big-play ability could give him a chance to lock down the nickel job.

Last week, when given the opportunity to move up to the first-team defense, Willams made some nice plays and seemed to have good instincts in coverage.

Because the NY Giants are unlikely to play the starters very long — if at all, against the Jets, Williams should get a lengthy audition against the Jets’ first-team offense in the exhibition opener.