2. NYG wideouts will be ready to shine
The most intriguing position group to watch against the Jets will be the wide receivers. On Wednesday, the Giants activated Sterling Shepard from the PUP list, which led to Shepard practicing for the first time since he tore his Achilles in December. When Shepard is on the field, he is a highly productive receiver who constantly moves the chains for the Giants. The veteran is by far the Giants best and most productive receiver, and his chemistry with Daniel Jones is immaculate.
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While Shepard will likely be limited, it will be interesting to see him against opposing competition for the first time in nine months. Elsewhere, Toney has missed the last two weeks due to an undisclosed leg injury, so it remains to be seen whether or not he will participate.
Kenny Golladay’s struggles have been well documented this summer, but he has a chance this week, while battling against Jets rookie standout corner Sauce Gardner and veteran DJ Reed, to prove to the Giants that he can still be a productive NFL receiver.
Only four Giants wide receivers – Wan’Dale Robinson, Toney, Shepard, and Golladay – are locked into the final roster. With Johnson’s torn Achilles, it seems as though two or three spots are now open. Preseason darling David Sills seems to have the upper hand to make the roster currently, but Darius Slayton, Alex Bachman, CJ Board, and Richie James all have the opportunity to prove their worth this week.
An interesting side battle will be to see Gardner vs. all the Giants wide receivers. The Jets selected Gardner No. 4 overall, and had he fallen one spot further, it is highly likely Gardner would be a Giant right now.