The New York Giants’ 2024 season has felt like an endless nightmare, and Week 16 is no exception. Heading into their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the team is 2-12 and staring down a near-certain Top 2 pick in the NFL Draft.
But before that, they’ll face the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—a game that could serve as yet another painful reminder of just how depleted this roster has become.
The Giants are reeling after a nine-game losing streak, with their most recent humiliation coming against the Ravens. Adding insult to injury, literally, their quarterback carousel continues to spin. Drew Lock is expected to start after returning to practice, while Tommy DeVito remains in concussion protocol. But the quarterback drama is just the tip of the iceberg.
New York’s injury report for Week 16 reads like the credits of a bad horror movie—long, distressing, and somehow getting worse with every update. With 21 players listed on the report, including several starters, it’s hard to imagine how the Giants will piece together a competitive lineup against an Atlanta team starting rookie Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback the Giants passed on in last April’s draft.
New York Giants updated injury report for Week 16 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Here’s the full injury report from Thursday's practice:
Did not participate: OLB Brian Burns (ankle/neck), OLB Patrick Johnson (knee), ILB Bobby Okereke (back), OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), CB Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin)
Limited participant: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), CB Deonte Banks (ribs), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad/finger), CB Art Green (shoulder), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), CB Andru Phillips (shoulder), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle)
Full participant: S Dane Belton (knee), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), ILB Dyontae Johnson* (ankle-*in 21-day practice window for return from Injured Reserve), QB Drew Lock (heel/left elbow), TE Chris Manhertz (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (knee/foot), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (shoulder), OL Austin Schlottmann* (fibula)
*In 21-day practice window for return from Injured Reserve
Head coach Brian Daboll tried to sound optimistic in his press conference, but the reality is bleak. Bobby Okereke, who has been the team’s defensive anchor, has yet to practice this week, leaving his status for Sunday in serious doubt. He's missed the last two games, but Daboll hasn't given thought to shutting him down for the season.
Good news comes with the injury update to Brian Burns. Even though he was out at practice today, Daboll suggested he could be good to go, saying, “Should be ready to go for the game." At least defensive backs Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott were limited today, which is an encouraging sign for the pass defense.
At this point, with the growing list of injuries, it's a miracle the Giants can field a team.
On offense, Drew Lock practiced in full for the first time in weeks, which at least brings some stability under center. Tommy DeVito participated on a limited basis and could back up Lock if he clears protocol. Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, two of the team’s few remaining playmakers, practiced fully, offering a small glimmer of hope for the offense.
But with so many injuries piling up, it’s hard to imagine the Giants putting up much of a fight against the Falcons. Facing a rookie quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., the Giants’ injury-ravaged defense will need to find a way to pressure the passer and contain Atlanta’s explosive run game.
For now, though, the injury report says it all: the Giants are limping—literally—toward the finish line of a season to forget.