Giants could have a significant offensive advantage Sunday vs. Cowboys
The New York Giants will hit their Week 1 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys as -3.5 point underdogs, but they might have a huge advantage over their NFC East rival on Sunday night.
According to multiple reports, the Cowboys are listing safety Malik Hooker as "questionable" for the game with an illness.
The news is especially troubling for the Dallas secondary with another safety, Donovan Wilson, officially listed as "doubtful" for the contest against the Giants with a calf injury.
There is a glimmer of hope for Cowboys fans, however. Shortly after news of his injury designation began to circulate through the interwebs, Hooker took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to clear the air.
Hooker responded, "Absolutely," with a saluting emoji in response to a tweet from Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News speculating that the Cowboys safety may still be on the field for Sunday night's opener. Hooker also conjured up Michael Jordan's "Flu Game," posting a gif as another hint he'll likely suit up.
If Hooker and Wilson can't go for the Cowboys, who traditionally play three safeties, they'll be down to a rotation of Jayron Kearse, Juanyeh Thomas and Israel Mukuamu. Kearse started 14 games a season ago, but Juaneyh (0 career games) and Mukuamu (three career starts) are inexperienced, to say the least.
The Cowboys' secondary issues might be a massive gain for the Giants, especially quarterback Daniel Jones. Entering a crucial fifth season as New York's signal-caller, Jones has an uphill battle, surrounded by a supporting cast he's still getting to know.
Aside from running back Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the only constant Jones has had among this year's starters is wideout Darius Slayton (four seasons) and Isaiah Hodgins (eight games), acquired last year. First year Giants WR Parris Campbell and TE Darren Waller round out the rest of the team's starters. If the Cowboys are down two starters in the secondary on Sunday night, Jones and company could have a golden opportunity to find a rhythm early.
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