Imagine if the receiver-needy Giants could acquire a target with seven career touchdowns covering 20 yards or more and proven chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones.
Now imagine giving up nothing to get him … because he already is on the roster.
Darius Slayton has an opportunity to emerge from roster purgatory Sunday against the Bears because of the season-ending injury to Sterling Shepard, combined with the injury uncertainty around Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson. Once considered the favorite target of his 2019 draft classmate Jones, Slayton started this season by taking a pay cut to avoid being released, was listed as the No. 7 receiver on a full-strength depth chart and was inactive for the season-opener — and aired no grievances.
“We’ll try to put [our receivers] in the best positions we can,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “But Slay has been a pro, and he’ll be ready to go.”
Slayton is a proven deep threat who has 124 catches for 1,830 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons. He has also 15 career drops and was buried early by the new coaching staff after too many drops in practice and no special-teams role.
Darius Slayton’s skill set could bring him back into regular Giants duty,Noah K. Murray-NY PostThe former fifth-round pick hasn’t been targeted on any of his 18 snaps in the last two games, though he was open downfield on a double move before the pocket collapsed around Jones, as highlighted by the Talkin’ Giants podcast.
“Darius is a guy I have a lot of trust in, a lot of faith in, and I know he’s working hard,” Jones said. “As far as the game plan going forward, we’ll see how it works out.”
Shepard (torn ACL) was officially put on injured reserve.
“I’ve spoken with Shep and obviously heartbroken for him,” Jones said. “Tough to see him go down after he’s fought so much to get back [from past injuries].”
Daboll interviewed with the Bears this offseason, but they gave the head coaching job to Matt Eberflus one day before the Giants made their choice.
“Tremendous amount of respect for Mr. [George] McCaskey and the people that were on that call,” Daboll said of the Bears’ owner. “Each interview is always a little bit different. I know Matt Eberflus well. I worked with him [with the Browns], and I think he’s done a fabulous job.”
CB Cor’dale Flott (calf) and OLB Jihad Ward (knee) did not practice and were added to the injury report.
CB Nick McCloud (hamstring), WRs Robinson (knee) and Toney (hamstring) and DL Leonard Williams (knee) also did not practice. CBs Justin Layne (concussion) and Aaron Robinson (appendix) were limited. Practice participation is an estimation because the Giants only conducted a walk-through.
CB Fabian Moreau, who has played in two games as a practice squad call-up, was signed to the active roster. DB Olaijah Griffin and WR Makai Polk were signed to the practice squad.
