The Giants will be without some key members of their secondary on Sunday against the Eagles.
Safety Jevon Holland was downgraded to out and will not travel with the team to Philadelphia, the Giants announced Saturday. They were already planning to be without cornerback Paulson Adebo. Both players are dealing with knee injuries.
Itâs a concerning development for New Yorkâs defense, which gave up 33 points in the fourth quarter of last weekâs stunning 33-32 loss to the Broncos.
What Holland’s Injury Means For the Giants
Holland is in his first season with the Giants after signing a three-year, $45.3 million contract in March. The former Dolphins star has been a slight disappointment through seven games, as Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him 47th out of 84 eligible safeties with a grade of 62.5. He has 28 tackles (16 solo) and three passes defended.
Holland, 25, had been listed as doubtful on Friday after missing his third straight practice.
Dane Belton is expected to start alongside Tyler Nubin in Hollandâs absence. Belton has 36 tackles (17 solo) and one fumble recovery this season.
What Adebo’s Injury Means For the Giants
Adebo was another one of the big-ticket additions to New Yorkâs defense this offseason. Signed to a three-year, $54 million deal in March, Adebo was expected to take over as the Giantsâ No. 1 cornerback. But like Holland, heâs struggled to make plays in Shane Bowenâs defense.
Adebo, 26, had seven interceptions over the last two seasons with the Saints but is still waiting for his first as a Giant. In seven games, he has 48 tackles (41 solo) and four passes defended. He did not practice this week.
PFF ranks Adebo 91st out of 112 eligible cornerbacks with a grade of 52.3.
His absence means more opportunities for 2023 first-rounder Deonte Banks, whose role had been reduced due to poor play and lapses in effort.
Eagles Will Be Without All-Pro Receiver
The Giants (2-5) rank 26th against the pass and 29th in total defense (376 yards allowed per game). Replacing both Holland and Adebo will be difficult, but at least they wonât have to worry about defending star wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The three-time All-Pro will miss Sundayâs game because of a hamstring injury.
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