Articles

by Stephie Smallls @stephiesmallls

Good News for the X-Men

Feeling oddly optimistic about the team’s future is difficult with back-to-back soul-shattering losses, but hear me out. Monday the defense continued to prove themselves a force not to be overlooked. The rookie show of O-lineman displayed promise and improvements.

Enough of that…you’re here for injuries:

The Giants were hit as early as training camp with injuries that left a lasting impression…and not a good one. Rookie Xavier McKinney goes down with a foot injury that required surgery as soon as the Giants crack open camp.

The Giants’ second-round selection turned to IG last week sharing
glimpses of his rehab and is expected to return to action following the bye week (week 11).

The defense continues to show reasons to remain positive, and the addition of McKinney is something to truly salivate over. Does it get better…yes, it does.

Get another celebratory claw(s) ready because McKinney is not the only X-man return to expect. The original X-Man, Oshane Ximines is expected to return in 2 weeks. He was placed on IR after suffering a shoulder injury against the Rams in week four.

No Details:

Maybe it’s a master, student thing and Judge, like Belichick, doesn’t release injury details. Much like Freeman’s injury, a detailed report of his injury has been extremely limited.

Small’s thought Process:

He likely suffered some variation of a joint vs ligament injury, ie: sprain/tear/etc. Which are all common for offensive and defensive lineman due to the frequent impact and physical demands of the position.
Without boring the crap out of you— it typically involves the 4 tendons attaching to the surrounding muscles: rotator cuff or the AC (acromioclavicular) joint which essentially connects the shoulder blade to the collarbone. Both have a higher susceptibility to tear, sprain, etc. in varying severity.

Time Table: The Bye Week

Since the chatter of his return began publicly yesterday I am going to acknowledge the injury as non-surgical (estimate 34% of shoulder injuries in the NFL end in surgical intervention).

Ximines most likely suffered a more moderate injury given the time lapsed from the original injury against the Rams. Today the team seemed optimistic he would be back around the bye week.

Both X-men expected to return: Week 12

Until then, white claws & highlight film will continue on repeat

Smalls Cheat Sheet:

Devonta Freeman: (ankle) Could be more serious than expected (DNP) Twitter chirping reported he was with trainers all during the practice. Reasonable expectation: Week 10

LUCKILY, Gallman has continued to prove a reliable option. Rushing 12 | 44 yards | 1TD | 1 Rec | 18 yards | 32 snaps

Keep Calm &…Continue to Gallman On

Golden Tate: (Selfish) Tate returns today if no outbursts or social media tantrums

Logan Ryan: (hip) – Will play

Downs: (Shoulder) Mayo is back. Don’t expect increased snaps from last weeks 20%

R. Lewis: (Hamstring) If not limited today, will play.

Martinez: (Hamstring) Likely to fully practice before the game. Needs to rest if he’s going to play the entire game consistently.

Shepard: (Shoulder/toe) I said this last week, expect him limited the rest of the season at practice due to that toe injury.

W. Hernandez: (COVID) — 1 and only

Things are moving forward Giants’ family, not as quickly as we desire but indeed in the right direction. #TogetherBlue

xo – Smallls