EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton will not be available for Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a hamstring injury, according to sources close to the team. The Giants, with a 1-4 record, are already facing the absence of their star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who suffered a torn ACL a few weeks ago. Unless there is a significant improvement, Slayton will join him on the bench against their division rival. Slayton was injured at the end of Sunday’s 26-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was listed as a non-participant in Monday and Tuesday’s practice projections this week, making it unlikely that he would be able to recover for the game.
Coach Brian Daboll also mentioned right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who is dealing with a back injury. Eluemunor has a realistic chance to play Thursday against the Eagles, according to a source. Slayton was visibly limping in the locker room on Tuesday. Given the rapid preparation for Thursday’s game, it seemed unlikely that he would be ready in time. Slayton, 28, was expected to take on a more significant role due to Nabers’ injury. However, he struggled on Sunday with a crucial drop and fumble. Despite this, the Giants signed him to a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason to be their No. 2 receiver. The veteran has led the team in receptions in four of the last six seasons. He has 12 receptions for 166 yards in five games this season. The Giants are expected to either promote or sign veteran receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad, considering the absences of Nabers and Slayton. Jalin Hyatt and undrafted rookie Beaux Collins could also have larger roles. Perhaps the definitive solution for the Giants, in need of wide receivers, is their tight ends. They used multiple tight ends on 43% of their offensive plays against the Saints. Their primary receiver was tight end Daniel Bellinger with four receptions for 52 yards. Second-year tight end Theo Johnson also caught six passes, including a pair of touchdowns.I would say we will wait until the last moment, as is usually done in short weeks.
Brian Daboll, Giants Coach
