The 3-1 New York Giants and the 1-3 Washington Commanders both received good news, and bad news, on the injury front as they prepare for a rainy showdown in Week 5.
The story of the week is on the Washington Commanders’ sideline. Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is making his return from the dislocated left elbow that endangered his season. This is the same elbow that he injured twice last year (dislocated in Week 9, sprained in Week 14) and ultimately cost him seven games. Daniels opted to forego
surgery and return to the field, though it remains to be seen how the injury will impact Daniels’ game.
Daniels won’t have one of his top receivers in Stefon Diggs (hamstring), who has been ruled out of the game. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a limited participant in practice but his game status has yet to be determined.
On the Giants’ side of things, the bad news is that the team will be without defe nsive lineman Chauncey Golston, who suffered a neck injury in the Giants’ win over the Arizona Cardinals, and safety Jason Pinnock who suffered a concussion in the same game.
The absence of Golston will likely mean the debut of returning Giant Jihad Ward, who was a favorite of former Giants’ (and Baltimore Ravens) defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
The news is that Giants will have five of their best players available. Left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin), wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee), tight end Isaiah Likely (knee/groin), tight end Chris Manhertz (shoulder), and running back Cam Skattebo (shoulder) are all expected to play.
Thomas has been managing his injury through decreased practice reps, while Nabers is still working his way back from ACL and meniscus surgery. It will be interesting to see if the shoulder injury limits Skattebo’s physical running style, or if the Giants shift more of the load to Najee Harris, Tyrone Tracy, or Devin Singletary.
The Giants have no players with a listed game status beyon Pinnock and Golston.
Friday injury report
Giants
Out
DL Chauncey Golston | Neck
S Jason Pinnock | Concussion
Doubtful
None
Questionable
None
Commanders
Out
WR Stefon Diggs | Hamstring
