Following the team’s second loss in a row, it is becoming very clear that the NY Giants need some guys back from injury as soon as possible. Forget the horrible officiating and poor execution by the few starters that are healthy, the lack of depth at certain positions hurt the Giants more than anything else against the Cowboys.
The Giants, like always for some reason, have been ravaged by injuries this year, and have lost countless key players to either season-ending injuries, or injuries that have caused them to miss extended periods of time.
However, it seems as if the Giants could be getting some very important players back in the coming weeks. This is exactly what the team needs as they enter a tough stretch of NFC East games. With that being said, here are four players the NY Giants desperately need back in the coming weeks:
4. TE Daniel Bellinger
It has been painfully obvious that this Giants offense needs Daniel Bellinger. Not only does the team lack a consistent WR, but even the play of their TEs has not been nearly as good without the 22 year old.
Bellinger has been one of the best TEs in the 2022 draft class this season, making Joe Schoen look like a genius for drafting him. However, after a brutal eye injury he suffered in Week 7, the Giants have been without Bellinger since. It seems as if Bellinger could finally be returning to action in Week 13 against the Commanders, meaning the Giants will be getting some much improved production from the offense.
Not only does Bellinger serve as a great receiving threat, but he has also been very solid as a blocker, which is what the team drafted him to do. The TEs the Giants have been playing in his absence simply have not been close to as good as Bellinger.
The Giants offense has looked rather putrid at times due to the lack of a consistent pass-catcher, which is something Bellinger is.
3. CB Fabian Moreau
One of Schoen’s best signings was bringing in FA cornerback Fabian Moreau early on in 2022. Since then, Moreau has been solid, plugging a hole the Giants desperately needed to be filled.
Prior to the season, it was unsure who would fulfill the role as the Giants CB2 behind Adoree’ Jackson. This caused Giants fans to panic after some very poor performances early in the season from both Darnay Holmes and Aaron Robinson.
However, after being signed to the practice squad and eventually elevated to the active roster following a season-ending injury to Aaron Robinson, Moreau has done nothing but impress.
Despite this, the Giants were without Moreau this week due to an oblique injury he suffered against the Lions in Week 11. While we are currently unsure of whether or not Moreau will be good to go in Week 13, the Giants need him back soon regardless.
Obviously Jackson is the much better player, but he is guaranteed to be out for four or more weeks, so the Giants need Moreau back soon. In nine games, Moreau has allowed just 24 receptions on 45 targets for 290 yards and two TDs while also racking up six pass breakups and 35 combined tackles. There are no doubts that he is a very good CB2 in the NFL.
2. EDGE Azeez Ojulari
Following a very solid rookie season in which he racked up 49 combined tackles, eight sacks, and 42 total pressures, we have only seen Azeez Ojulari in two games this season. Despite this, it seems as if the Giants could be getting the 22 year old edge rusher back within the next couple of weeks, if not against the Commanders.
The Giants have struggled to create pressure against opposing QBs all season. While they have players like Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux, they need more depth in that area, which is where Ojulari comes in.
There are no doubts that bringing Ojulari into the picture for the Giants defense would do wonders for the team. Not only will he free up room for everyone else up front, but he also has the potential to dominate opposing blockers.
Ojulari has the potential to be a fantastic edge rusher in this league. Not only did he already have the elite speed to beat tackles off the edge last season, but he also put on a good amount of muscle going into this season.
1. S Xavier McKinney
While he may not be having a crazy statistical season like he did last year, Xavier McKinney has still been unbelievably important to the Giants defense. Not only does he basically negate any big play a team draws up, but he also does a great job cleaning things up in the run game.
Since going out with a hand injury, the Giants secondary has not been the same. While players like Dane Belton have done an okay job, he is not nearly as good as McKinney, especially as a tackler and run defender.
Belton has made some very nice plays in coverage, but has really struggled for the most part. Comparing him to McKinney just isn’t fair though, as McKinney has proven he can be great in this league, and Belton is a fourth-round rookie.
The Giants have been getting killed in pass coverage plays that would typically go in McKinney’s range. Teams are very clearly attacking that area since it is a weak spot and it is paying off handsomely.
While it is not entirely known as to when McKinney will return, the team is very hopeful we will see him again this season. With it seeming like the Giants playoffs odds will come down to the wire, any appearance at any time would be extremely beneficial for the Giants defense.
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