Handicapping NY Giants remaining roster battles ahead of preseason finale
The NY Giants roster still has three pivotal position battles that could be decided during Sunday night’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots
There is just one preseason game remaining for the NY Giants, Sunday night against the New England Patriots, before the final roster must be set next week.
The final cuts from 80 players to 53 features some difficult decisions at several key positions, including some that might force general manager Dave Gettleman, head coach Joe Judge, and the Giants‘ coaching staff to potentially decide between draft picks and players who might be cheaper and have shown enough upside during training camp to provide some upside.
Here’s a look at where things stand at three NY Giants roster battles that will likely be decided Sunday night against the New England Patriots:
NY Giants RB3: Corey Clement vs. Gary Brightwell
The top of the NY Giants’ depth chart seems to be set.
Devontae Booker has finished training camp strong, and is coming off a 27-yard and one rushing touchdown performance against the Browns, seemingly running away with the No. 2 running back job behind Saquon Barkley.
If the NY Giants carry three running backs into the season, that leaves Clement and Brightwell likely competing for the final spot at the position.
Clement has looked explosive throughout the summer, and would count just $990,000 against the cap if he winds up making the 53-man roster.
However, the NY Giants invested a sixth-round pick in April’s NFL Draft in Brightwell, but the rookie out of Arizona has just three carries for seven yards in his lone preseason appearance.
If the NY Giants wind up keeping four running backs — fullback Elijaa Penny is essentially a lock — Sunday night’s contest could be the deciding factor in the battle between Clement and Brightwell.