The New York Giants' offseason is going well. Their pass-rushing group looks electric, and the quarterbacks are looking solid—especially that Russell Wilson-Jalin Hyatt connection.
However, if there's one thing that could hold them back, it's injuries. And Thursday’s OTA session struck some fear into fans with just three of their safeties practicing... none of them being presumed starters. Dane Belton, Raheem Layne, and Makari Paige were the only ones on the field, leaving the secondary noticeably thin. That absence was immediately noticeable given how much the team has invested into that position over the past two offseasons.
Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin were both sidelined. There was no initial explanation for Nubin, but Holland was spotted going through an individual workout with trainers before practice per Dan Duggan. While not ideal, there’s no indication that either player is dealing with a significant issue.
The reality is this kind of thing happens in June. Teams operate on reduced practice loads, and players coming off busy springs or minor soreness often get days off. With training camp still more than a month away, holding guys out is more about planning than panic.
Giants will be without Holland and Nubin at OTAs (and that's okay... for now)
The lack of bodies at Thursday’s practice put a spotlight on the depth chart, and that’s exactly why the Giants’ offseason overhaul at safety matters.
Holland signed a three-year, $45 million contract to replace Xavier McKinney and has already become a vocal presence during walkthroughs and drills. He recorded an interception during 7-on-7s earlier this month and has looked comfortable in defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s system.
Nubin has also flashed throughout OTAs. His pick-six during 11-on-11s turned heads, and he has continued to build off a successful rookie season that ended prematurely due to an ankle injury. He’s expected to play a big role this year, and the early signs are promising. The pairing of Holland and Nubin gives the Giants a physical, versatile duo that fits the identity this defense is methodically building.
Now on to the guy who's been able to get on the field and make the most of it, Belton’s performance helps round out the group. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Belton has taken full advantage of his reps and consistently put himself in a position to create turnovers—something the G-Men desperately need more of.
He’s received praise from all around the building and looks like a key rotational player who could be featured in a multitude of roles this season. One of the more obvious breakout seasons loading.
It’s mid-June, so let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves over potential injuries. It’s always better to play it safe now than risk impact players for the sake of development. Fans have no reason to panic, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored either. Holland was a major offseason investment, and Nubin looked like a future star before his injury.
It’s not ideal to see them miss reps, but if it’s about the long game—it's rest 'em up and next man up.