It was an interesting first day of training camp for the New York Giants on Wednesday as rookies and a few veterans took on practice.
The 94th season of the New York Giants has officially begun as the team reported to training camp on Wednesday.
Although the entire team reported to camp, only the rookies and a few select veterans participated in the morning practice. Some of the veterans who participated in the practice were backup quarterback Davis Webb, safety Darian Thompson and linebacker Avery Moss.
With less than half the team practicing, there weren’t any 11-on-11 drills and very limited 7-on-7 drills. Mostly, the players participated in position drills and blocking technique drills.
In the short time where receivers were matched up against defensive backs, Webb continued to look as impressive as he did throughout OTAs and minicamp. On one snap, he connected with wide receiver Alonzo Russell on a deep pass down the left sideline.
Webb also connected with Saquon Barkley on a few short passes during practice.
Rookie defensive lineman RJ McIntosh, who has been limited throughout OTAs and minicamp, once again did not participate in position drills but did jog on the side throughout practice. It’s expected that he’ll be put on the active/non-football illness list.
Rookie RJ McIntosh is not participating in drills but is jogging on the side @EliteSportsNY #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/XiY7TSiv13
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) July 25, 2018
The Giants did receive devastating news as cornerback Sam Beal aggravated a shoulder injury from Monday’s rookie practice, and is likely headed for season-ending shoulder surgery.
Beal is likely headed for surgery on a shoulder issue that was aggravated during practice on Monday. #Giants https://t.co/1lW3T8b03K
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) July 25, 2018
With the loss of Beal, the Giants are extremely thin at cornerback which may open the door for a reunion with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who the team released on March.
Following the practice, head coach Pat Shurmur addressed the media. One of the questions asked surrounded his expectation of Odell Beckham Jr. as a full participant in the team’s first full practice on Thursday after not participating in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills in minicamp.
“I do, I anticipate—the vets are here checking in as we speak – so I anticipate him to be ready to go.”
At the conclusion of Shurmur’s time with the media, the veterans made their way to the team facility including Beckham although he did not speak with the media.
One of the veterans that did speak with the media was Eli Manning. One of the questions he was asked was what is it like to have a teammate like Barkley.
“Well, I’ve been impressed with Saquon just with his professionalism right off the get-go. I think he’s done a good job coming in, studying the playbook, knowing his stuff, having questions, being dialed into everything that he’s supposed to be doing. I’ve been impressed with him in that situation, and also just obviously his on-the-field stuff is impressive. He’s made plays, and no pads on or anything yet, but just catching the football, being an athlete, and then excited to get some pads on and see what he can do.”
Saquon Barkley working on his technique. #GiantsPride #NYG pic.twitter.com/D88yNP8RFV
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) July 25, 2018
Another veteran who spoke on Wednesday was second year tight end Evan Engram and he has also been impressed with Barkley.
“I honestly believe he’s ahead of his time. I never really felt the need to give him any advice. But, I just remember the first couple of days, he was asking me certain things about a route combo that we had. He was out the backfield and I was attached. He had some questions about it. I just told him everything is going to eventually slow down. Your head is not going to be spinning. You’re going to get a hold of all of this. You’re going to be able to play fast, you’re going to be able to get comfortable and play your game. He’s ahead of his time. He’s already proven himself as a professional. He wants to get better each and every day. He’s needed a little advice from me, but I’ll definitely help him along this season.”
When the New York Giants return to practice on Thursday, the team won’t be in pads yet expect to run several 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills as the practices slowly but surely intensify before they’re in pads next week.
