The New York Giants have generated some positive momentum over the past couple of weeks, pulling off major upset victories over the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. The team has looked completely different since turning to first-round rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart under center, and they will be looking for him to make some more magic against the Denver Broncos in Week 7.
That’s going to be easier said than done, of course, as Denver features one of the best defenses in the league. Making matters even worse for Dart, the team has received a tough injury update regarding wide receiver Darius Slayton that will once again force the offense to find a way to put up points while being shorthanded.
Giants Rule Darius Slayton Out for Broncos Clash
While Dart has managed to establish himself as New York’s starting quarterback, the offense around him is beginning to fall apart. In his first start against the Chargers, he quickly lost his top playmaker on offense, Malik Nabers, to a torn ACL, making his job under center even more challenging. And yet, Dart has been up for the challenge to this point.
In his second start against the New Orleans Saints, Dart lost another key playmaker on offense in Slayton to a hamstring injury. The veteran wide receiver isn’t necessarily a gamebreaker like Nabers, but he has six-plus years of experience in New York’s offensive system, which makes him a player Dart can rely on when he drops back to pass.
Slayton didn’t suit up for the team’s Thursday Night Football action against the Eagles, as the hope was that he’d be able to return to action in Week 7. That did not end up materializing, though, as Slayton didn’t practice on Friday after suiting up on Wednesday and Thursday, which led to him being ruled out for this game.
“Darius Slayton has been downgraded to OUT and will not travel with the Giants to Denver,” Connor Hughes of SNY reported on Saturday. “Daboll said Slayton had two good days on Wednesday and Thursday. He didn’t work on Friday. Tough blow against a very good defense.”
Giants Looking to Earn Another Surprising Upset Victory in Week 7
GettyNew York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
For the most part, Dart has been able to move the ball on offense, no matter who is on the field alongside him. Now that Slayton is out, that means Wan’Dale Robinson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey will be tasked with stepping up, with Jalin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, and Gunner Olszewski also potentially factoring into the mix at wide receiver.
With Cam Skattebo leading the way at running back and Theo Johnson at tight end, the Giants can win this game by establishing the run game and protecting Dart when he drops back to pass. Playing against the Broncos, though, will present them with challenges they haven’t had to face over the past few games. Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, and with all the trash talk that has taken place throughout the week, this very well may be a must-watch game.
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