Two weeks of training camp practices have formed a rough pecking order on the New York Giants' roster. Three weeks of preseason games allow players currently at risk of being cut a final chance to make their case for a spot in the final 53.
The Giants will play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday afternoon. While starters will likely play limited snaps, if any at all, players on the fringe of the roster will get ample opportunities to prove their worth.
These five players need strong showings to save their roster spots.
5 Giants working to escape the roster bubble in preseason Week 1
C Bryan Hudson
Entering training camp, Bryan Hudson was a long shot to make the Giants' final roster. Injuries to centers John Michael Schmitz Jr. and Lucas Patrick have opened the door for the third-year pro. The G-Men signed Brenden Jaimes to fill in for their injured centers, but Hudson should see plenty of reps in the preseason.
A strong showing against the Vikings could earn him a roster spot, especially if Schmitz Jr. or Patrick are out for multiple weeks.
WR Dalen Cambre
The Giants signed known receiver names like Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason, but it's former undrafted free agent Dalen Cambre who has been making waves in training camp. Head coach John Harbaugh has taken notice of the young wideout.
Harbaugh said, "I see him make a circus catch every single day. And not just that, he's doing all the other things. He's doing special teams. He knows what he's doing. He's running great routes. I think he's making a move. I think he's done a great job, and he's got our attention."
If Cambre can make some plays on offense and special teams, he could overtake Beckham Jr. in the ongoing battle for the final wide receiver spot on the roster.
RB Damon Bankston
Undrafted rookie Damon Bankston may be a long shot to make the roster, but this preseason clash gives him the perfect opportunity to showcase his impact as a kick returner. He's currently at the end of the running back pecking order, but he should get a few carries on Saturday.
Bankston is versatile and explosive. He has an uphill climb ahead of him if he's going to make the roster. A couple of explosive plays in the preseason wouldn't hurt his chances.
LB Darius Muasau
Rookie linebacker Jack Kelly has become one of the biggest stories of Giants training camp, making countless plays on defense. That's bad news for Darius Muasau, who finds himself on the third line of the depth chart.
Muasau was a starter for New York last season, but that won't carry much weight under this new staff. He'll need to prove himself all over again this preseason to earn his spot on the roster.
WR Braxton Berrios
Another member of the three-man race for the final receiver spot, Braxton Berrios has the advantage of serving as both a pass-catcher and return man. He has been impressive in training camp, but so have Beckham Jr. and Cambre. This battle seems to be neck-and-neck heading into the preseason opener.
At 30 years old, Berrios is fighting to keep his NFL career alive.
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