The New York Giants didn't exactly light the league on fire in their preseason opener. There was more disappointment than excitement to be had after Big Blue's narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
While the struggling players at or near the top of the depth chart — like Jaxson Dart and Deonte Banks — don't have to worry about their spots on the team, plenty of depth players put themselves on thin ice.
These four players are especially close to being pushed off the roster after New York's preseason opener.
4 Giants players whose roster chances are on life support after preseason Week 1
QB Brandon Allen
Allen may have had the worst individual performance of any Giants player on Saturday. The third-string quarterback completed five of his eight passes for 45 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The offense was unable to move the ball down the field with Allen under center. The G-Men didn't take long to respond to the veteran's poor performance, signing quarterback Jake Haener on Monday. Allen's days on the roster are numbered.
DT Zacch Pickens
Pickens needed a big day to separate himself from the crowded group of depth players on New York's interior defensive line. He didn't get it.
In 22 defensive snaps, the defensive tackle failed to make any kind of an impact. He logged no tackles, no pressures, and an abysmal PFF run defense grade of 39.2. Pickens' only saving grace is that, outside of second-year pro Darius Alexander, none of New York's interior defensive linemen stood out in the opener.
Still, the former Kansas City Chiefs defender's chances of making the roster are looking slimmer than ever. Unfortunately for him, another move might be coming in the defensive tackle room.
RB Damon Bankston
Bankston, an undrafted rookie, had built up some momentum as a dynamic athlete over the summer. That momentum came screeching to a halt in the preseason opener. He managed just six yards on his three carries and wasn't a factor in the passing game.
To make matters worse, he didn't get any work on special teams. His return ability was thought to give him his best chance at making the roster, but it seems like the coaching staff doesn't trust him enough in that position at this point. Bankston's roster hopes are all but over after one preseason game.
RB Eric Gray
New York's rushing attack was nowhere to be found in the second half, so we're doubling up on running backs here. Gray logged a team-high eight carries, but he only produced 20 yards, with a longest run of just four yards. He didn't show any explosive threat.
The Giants may need to scour the free agent and waiver markets for a fourth running back in the coming weeks. They already brought veteran Najee Harris in for a visit, and more moves could be on the way.
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