It may feel like the New York Giants are the most injured team in the NFL. They are not. Losing Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns, among others, for the season was a devastating blow, but the G-Men still have enough healthy talent on both sides of the ball to remain competitive, especially in a wide-open NFC East.
In fact, Big Blue might be the healthier team on Sunday. The Washington Commanders are dealing with a long list of injuries, even with Jayden Daniels likely set to return to the field.
With key commanders missing from the lineup, the Giants have an important advantage in what has become a crucial game in the NFC East title race.
Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs headline Commanders' injury report vs. Giants
Daniels was a full participant in Commanders practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. Barring an unexpected change over the weekend, he should be able to play for the first time since injuring his elbow in Week 2.
His teammates, on the other hand, have not had such an encouraging week. His top two receivers, Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday. McLaurin participated in a limited capacity on Friday, but Diggs did not. Both wideouts are dealing with hamstring injuries.
If McLaurin and Diggs are both out, Washington will be left with Dyami Brown, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, and Luke McCaffrey as its only healthy receivers.
Of course, the Giants have some important injuries of their own. Braxton Berrios is now set to miss the season with a foot injury. Chauncey Golston's neck injury could leave New York thin on the edge, and safety Jason Pinnock is dealing with a concussion.
But in terms of new names popping up on the injury report, the Giants certainly have the advantage in this game.
Commanders' injury report gives Giants a clear advantage in Week 5
The Giants' secondary hasn't been stellar this season. The pass defense has been average in most categories and has been torn apart by the most efficient passing offenses it has faced.
But if Washington is without its top two wide receivers, New York's secondary should be able to take control of the game.
Deonte Banks, who has been a full participant in practice this week, and Greg Newsome II can lock Brown and Burks down on the outside while Dru Phillips handles Williams in the slot.
If the Giants limit the Commanders' rushing attack, which hasn't been particularly efficient this year, they can put this game away early.
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