Giants rookie WR Kadarius Toney appears frustrated with role

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney Amy Newman-NorthJersey.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Giants rookie WR Kadarius Toney already appears frustrated with role

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/17/21

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney appears to already be frustrated with his role on the team.

Toney came off the field in the third quarter of Thursday's game against the Washington Football Team and was spoken to by Giants head coach Joe Judge. After the conversation, the 22-year-old walked away, visibly upset, and stood alone away from his teammates, per Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com.

Toney wasn't targeted once in Thursday's 30-29 loss. After the game, he posted a message to his Instagram saying, "I don't be mad, s—t just be lame to me."

Kadarius Toney posted this to Instagram. He was visibly upset at one point on the sideline in the second half after speaking with Joe Judge.

Nothing at a Golladay-Jones level, but clearly wasn’t happy. pic.twitter.com/L29NEjdSI6
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 17, 2021

A person familiar with Toney's thinking told NJ Advance Media: "No use in having a sports car and not driving it."

Toney made his NFL debut last week against the Denver Broncos and only played five snaps. His role has been minimal alongside Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton and Sterling Shephard.

The Giants selected Toney 20th overall in the 2021 draft, and he had an unconventional offseason. He missed time with foot issues, tested positive for COVID-19 before training camp and then dealt with a hamstring injury once camp began, so he hasn't spent much time in the offense since being drafted, which could be why he's not being used in a more significant role.

The last time Toney spoke with the media earlier this month, he said he was excited about the opportunity to "contribute as much as I can." He hasn't been given a chance to contribute in a big way just yet, but maybe it's coming soon as the Giants are 0-2 and may look to shake things up.

Toney's dissatisfaction isn't the only issue the Giants are dealing with, though. Kenny Golladay was seen screaming at quarterback Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game and Jabrill Peppers expressed his unhappiness with a reduced role on defense.

It could be a long season for the Giants, and they're only just getting started.

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