It wouldn't be a normal NY Giants summer without some untimely injuries popping up on both sides of the ball. Head man Brian Daboll saw some key contributors go down during preseason action, which was rough to see. Now, it's time to see if some of these guys can get themselves close to 100 percent to take on Minnesota.
We are getting quite close to the Sept. 8 dance with the Vikings. The G-Men are underdogs for this one despite the contest being played at MetLife Stadium - sheesh. Soon enough, we'll find out if these three players in particular will be able to rock or not.
LB Micah McFadden
This of course is a big one for the Big Blue defense. In the preseason Week 2 loss to the Texans at NRG Stadium, Micah McFadden suffered a hip injury and the pain was so bad, he had to be carted off the field. Luckily, it was announced that this is a minor injury, but the latest update on the inside 'backer is that there's a 'chance' he'll be able to suit up vs. the Vikings. The Giants need him out on the field, but they of course don't want to rush him back and risk him making things worse either.
LB Dyontae Johnson
Unfortunately for Daboll and new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, if McFadden can't go, things are up in the air too for fellow inside 'backer Dyontae Johnson. Late in the preseason win over the Lions, Johnson sprained his ankle and he missed the following two contests vs. the Texans and Jets. If Johnson and McFadden both can't go, who's going to suit up next to standout Bobby Okereke? That's a question we don't want to have to answer.
OL John Michael Schmitz
It's been a bit of a rough summer for second-year starting center John Michael Schmitz. First, he missed practice time due to a shoulder injury. He suited up vs. the Jets to get some more live action in, but then he injured his ankle. The tests came back clean, which was fantastic news. He has 'no doubt' that he'll be ready to play vs. Minnesota, which is also great. However, a bum ankle and a hurt shoulder leading up to Week 1 is not ideal for Schmitz. Let's hope he can rest up a little and be fully ready to rock for the season-opener. This team needs him.