Daniel Jones Starts, Giants Injury Update & Commanders Showdown Preview

In this episode of "2 Giants Goofballs: New York Giants News & Updates," Drew and Rob dive deep into the New York Giants’ latest news, breaking down all the critical updates ahead of their upcoming NFC East clash with the Washington Commanders. With QB Daniel Jones confirmed as the starter despite recent calls for him to be benched, the spotlight is on his performance and the implications of his injury clause for the Giants.

Deonte Banks is also back in the starting lineup after being benched in Monday night's game against the Steelers. The Giants are hoping that this young corner can lock down Washington's dynamic receiving corps, especially Terry McLaurin. During their last meeting, McLaurin was held to just 22 yards, far below his average of nearly 80 yards per game. 

The Giants have also shuffled their roster with key personnel changes, releasing safety Gervarrius Owens and fullback Jakob Johnson to make room for linemen Garret Greenfield and Marcellus Johnson. Greenfield, a towering 6’6” lineman from South Dakota State, and Marcellus Johnson, who previously spent time on the Vikings' practice squad, bring added depth to an offensive line that has struggled this season. Chris Hubbard will take over at left tackle as coach Brian Daboll announced, looking to stabilize a line that has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. 

On the injury front, WR Tyrone Tracy remains in concussion protocol, which could impact the Giants' passing game options. The Giants have also been strategic about trade rumors, with WR Darius Slayton and EDGE Azeez Ojulari reportedly unlikely to be moved. Both players remain crucial to the team's plans, and Slayton, in particular, could be a key target against Washington’s defense.

When the Giants take the field against Washington, their defensive focus will be to contain Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who is recovering from a rib injury and may not be at full strength. Daniels was exceptionally accurate in their last matchup with a completion rate over 79%, far above his season average of 71.8%. If the Giants can apply pressure and disrupt his rhythm, it could be a turning point. The Giants' pass rush has improved since their last meeting, with Azeez Ojulari now at six sacks for the season and Brian Burns at five, after neither recorded a sack in their initial meeting with the Commanders. 

Stopping the run will be equally critical. Last time, Washington RB Brian Robinson Jr. gashed the Giants with 133 yards on just 17 carries, posing a considerable challenge for a Giants defense that also allowed Steelers RB Najee Harris over 100 yards last week. With Robinson dealing with a hamstring injury but expected to play, the Giants must shore up their run defense if they hope to avoid another big ground game by the Commanders.

Since their last matchup, the Commanders’ offense has found its rhythm, averaging 32.5 points per game. The Giants, however, are struggling offensively, putting up just 15.5 points per game in the same span. As the Giants seek to get their offense on track, rookie WR Malik Nabers and WR Darius Slayton will be critical targets. In their last game against Washington, Nabers led with 127 yar