In a candid press conference today, New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll provided updates on several key players’ injuries and discussed the team’s anticipation for the upcoming joint practices with the Detroit Lions. As the Giants gear up for the new season, managing player health and ensuring productive practice sessions remain top priorities.
Injury Updates
Daboll began by addressing the status of offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu and center John Michael Schmitz (JMS). “Josh is fine,” Daboll reassured, adding a similar update for JMS, saying, “Same.” He elaborated that Schmitz is “rehabbing” and “getting better,” but is “not ready to go” just yet, indicating a cautious approach to ensure full recovery.
Further injury news included tight end Jack Stoll, who is currently in concussion protocol, and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who is dealing with a lower leg injury. Both players will not be practicing. On a more positive note, wide receiver Darius Slayton is set to return to the field, providing a boost to the Giants’ receiving corps.
Evan Neal’s prolonged absence has been a topic of concern among fans and media alike. Daboll addressed the situation, stating, “He’s just rehabbing. When he’s ready, he’ll be ready to go out there.” Despite persistent questions about potential setbacks and Neal’s readiness for Week 1, Daboll maintained that Neal’s progress is closely monitored and that he is “doing everything he can do.” The head coach emphasized that Neal’s return to the starting lineup will be determined once he is fully healthy.
Upcoming Joint Practices with the Detroit Lions
The conversation then shifted to the Giants’ upcoming joint practices with the Detroit Lions, scheduled for August 5 and 6. These sessions are highly anticipated, providing a valuable opportunity for the Giants to test themselves against a different opponent.
Daboll expressed his eagerness for the joint practices, highlighting the benefits of facing another team. “Good work,” Daboll remarked, emphasizing his respect for Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell and their shared approach to maintaining high practice standards. “It’ll be good work against another team. Got a lot of respect for Dan. We’ve been friends for a long time. Try to practice the right way with one another, like we do against our team. Staying off the ground. Doing things the right way. So it’ll be good work.”
Daboll acknowledged the increased intensity that comes with joint practices, recalling last year’s experience in Detroit, where the Lions’ intensity stood out. “One year is different than the next. We’ve got a new team. We’ll focus on getting better today and then get ready to practice against the Lions. Have two good days.”
Focus and Preparation
Daboll also touched on the strategic elements of the joint practices, including seven-on-seven drills and special teams work. “We will [do seven-on-seven]. I was just talking to [Dan] Campbell about this this morning. We haven’t done seven-on-seven since OTAs. If you want to just go team work, we can go team. But we’re going to do a bunch of seven-on-seven, which will be good.”
In terms of special teams, Daboll highlighted the collaborative planning between Giants Special Teams Coordinator Michael Ghobrial and Lions Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp. “They have a good plan. We’ve done a lot of research on the first week of drills and things like that through the NFL and what joint practices have been the first week.”
Looking Ahead
As the Giants continue their training camp, these joint practices with the Lions represent a critical step in their preseason preparations. Evaluating player performance against different competition and refining their game plans will be essential as they build towards the regular season. With the first preseason game against the Lions on August 8, Daboll and his team are focused on making the most of every practice and ensuring that all players, particularly those returning from injury, are ready to contribute at their best.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Giants progress through training camp and gear up for the 2024 NFL season.
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