Giants Get Good Bill of Health vs. Bucs

The team released the following injury report on Thursday.

LIMITED

• Receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)
• Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence (Knee)
• Linebacker Darius Muasua (Hamstring)
• Safety Tyler Nubin (Back)

FULL

• Linebacker Matthew Adams (Knee)
• Tight End Theo Johnson (Back)
• Edge Rusher Kayvon Thibodeuax (Wrist)
• Guard Greg Van Roten (Abdomen)
• Receiver Darius Slayton (Concussion)
• Cornerback Andru Phillips (Hip)

Notably, Thibodeaux was a full participant, an upgrade from his limited status on Wednesday. He was eligible to return from injured reserve and the team opened his practice window as it emerged from the bye. Getting a starter back in a full capacity should be meaningful for a Giants squad that needs all the help it can get.

No team has averaged more sacks per game, but the pass rush could take another step forward with Thibodeaux’s return, which now seems inevitable.

Further, Slayton should get the green light for Sunday, too. A concussion forced him to stay home while the team traveled to Munich in Week 10. The rest, along with the bye week, allowed Slayton to return to practice as a full participant. Receiver Jalin Hyatt was encouraging in his absence, potentially pushing for more playing time as the season rolls along.

There isn’t yet reason to be concerned about Lawrence nor Nubin, the two defensive starters listed as limited on Thursday. Lawrence has been getting veteran courtesies for much of the season, while Nubin has played virtually every snap as a rookie.

Phillips is a name to watch as he was a late addition to the injury report, having not been listed on Wednesday. Still, as a full participant, he’s expected to go against a strong Buccaneers offense.

With nobody held entirely out of practice, New York looks to be at full strength on Sunday. That bodes well for a team in desperate need of a win.