The New York Giants' 53-man roster is taking shape as the team prepares to open its preseason against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
The quarterback position is locked down with Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston as the top two choices. Brandon Allen is the only other quarterback who has a chance to make the team. Coach John Harbaugh is expected to give some playing time to Dart, but the extent of his participation is still unknown.
Harbaugh values first-team reps, but also considers the risk of injury when deciding who to play. "I value first team reps very much," he said. "And you have to measure that against the risk." The coach has an individualized plan for each player, and Dart's plan is still unclear.
The running back position is also solidified with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary as the top three choices. Dante Miller is the only bubble player, while Eric Gray and Damon Bankston are long shots.
At fullback, Patrick Ricard is the lock, while Grant Finley is a long shot. Finley has a background as both a fullback and a defensive lineman, and Harbaugh may try to turn him into a Ricard-like player.
The tight end position has some competition, with Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, and Chris Manhertz as the top three locks. Thomas Fidone has moved up to the bubble category after a good week of practice, but it's still unclear if he'll make the team.
The wide receiver position has some interesting storylines, with Odell Beckham Jr. expected to play on Saturday. Beckham's availability will be closely watched, and it's unclear how long he'll play. JuJu Smith-Schuster has been dealing with an injury and has moved down to the long shot category.
The offensive line has some solidified positions, with Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan, and John Michael Schmitz as the top three locks. However, the line has been hit with injuries, and Bryan Hudson and Jake Kubas may get a chance to make an impression.
The defensive line has some solidified positions, with D.J. Reader, Darius Alexander, and Shelby Harris as the top three locks. However, the bubble and long shot categories have some interesting storylines, with Bobby Jamison-Travis and Leki Fotu trying to make a case for themselves.
The off-ball linebacker position has some solidified positions, with Arvell Reese, Tremaine Edmunds, and Micah McFadden as the top three locks. However, the bubble category has some interesting storylines, with Darius Muasau and Zaire Barnes trying to make a case for themselves.
The edge defender position has some solidified positions, with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux as the top three locks. However, the bubble category has some interesting storylines, with Khalid Kareem trying to make a case for himself.
The cornerback position has been a mess, but the Giants have signed Ugochukwu Amadi and Sam Webb to help fill the gap. Art Green is trending towards making the 53-man roster, and the Giants will be closely watching his performance on Saturday.
The Giants will face the Vikings on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see how the team's roster takes shape. The preseason games will be a crucial test for the players trying to make the 53-man roster, and the Giants will be closely watching their performances.
Source: Yahoo Sports