The big question still seems to be whether Gunner Olszewski will be able to return punts
All 53 members of the New York Giants’ active roster practiced on Wednesday as the Giants prepared for Sunday’s season-opening game against the Minnesota Vikings, per head coach Brian Daboll.
While the official Wednesday injury report is not out yet, Daboll expected wide receiver/punt returner Gunner Olszewski (groin), linebacker Mich McFadden (hip), quarterback Drew Lock (hip/oblique), and safety Dane Belton (back) to be listed as limited.
The biggest concern has been the availability of Olszewski, who is now on the long end of what had been estimated as 2-4 week recovery period from his groin injury.
Here is what Olszewski looked like returning punts on Wednesday:
Gunner Olszewski, working back from a groin injury, fielding punts on Wednesday during NYG practice. pic.twitter.com/lruSnypt8e
— Big Blue View (@bigblueview) September 4, 2024
If Olszewski can’t return punts on Sunday, the Giants might have to turn to newly-signed cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to handle that role. If they don’t want Jackson, who was injured returning punts for the Giants two seasons ago, to do it they might be forced to make a roster move.
On Wednesday, special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said Jackson is a “dynamic” player with the ball in his hands.
“I’ll never close the door on getting the ball in the playmaker’s hands,” Ghobrial said. “He’s dynamic with the ball in his hand. I do know that.”
Jackson said this week he would be happy to return punts in the opportunity presents itself.
“I’m always in the mindset that I’m a returner. I’ve always been one at heart, regardless of what may happen,” Jackson said. “As you all have seen, I go back there and it’s just second nature, just like you get up, walk out of bed, go wash your face, brush your teeth. I get up, go back there, punt return, catch it and figure out what’s going to happen next.”
Lock was expected to test his injuries by participating in team work on Wednesday. Daboll also expected McFadden to participate in team work.
Giants Wednesday injury report
Limited participation
S Dane Belton (back)
QB Drew Lock (abdomen)
LB Micah McFadden (groin)
WR Gunner Olszewski (groin)