The rough injury luck never seems to end for the NY Giants and head coach Brian Daboll. While the team was able to escape the Week 1 loss vs. the Vikings mostly healthy, starting cornerback Nick McCloud went down with a knee injury. As it turns out, that knee issue is probably going to cost him a shot at playing against Washington.
McCloud showed up on the initial injury report and he was held out of practice once again on Thursday. He got the start vs. the Vikings, but he was a bit inconsistent before going down. Now, it's looking like either Adoree' Jackson or Cor'Dale Flott will be getting the nod on the opposite side of the field from Deonte Banks.
LB Darius Muasau (knee) and CB Nick McCloud (knee) were on the side again. Not looking good for Sunday. No sign of WR Gunner Olszewski (groin), who again is likely headed to IR.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) September 12, 2024
NY Giants CB Nick McCloud feels like a long shot to play vs. Washington
In addition to McCloud, rookie linebacker Darius Muasau was also held out of practice on Thursday, while Malik Nabers (knee) and Darius Slayton (concussion) were limited. There's loads of worry on Nabers and understandably so. On defense, Muasau posted an interception in the Week 1 loss, but just like McCloud, he's not expected to be ready to rock to take on the Commanders.
The good news, though, is that Micah McFadden appears to be close to 100 percent from the injury he suffered in the preseason that resulted in him being carted off the field. He didn't play vs. the Vikings, but he'll be lining up next to Bobby Okereke for this NFC East clash.
Back to corner, it'd make the most sense for Jackson to get the start, though Flott saw plenty of time as CB2 for Shane Bowen this offseason. Him lining up as a slot CB against the Vikings was a total head-scratcher, but Brian Daboll already said the young defensive back will be returning to the outside.
The Giants defense had few answers for Sam Darnold and the Minnesota passing attack at MetLife Stadium, but they have to find a way to improve vs. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. Unfortunately for Bowen, it's looking like he won't have McCloud able to make plays, but Jackson and Flott will deliver when their numbers are called.