It is not easy for NFL players to prepare for, and then participate in, a game four days after playing in one. That is the assignment this week for the Giants and Redskins and both teams are feeling the strain.
The Giants have six players listed as questionable for Thursday night at FedEx Field, most notably receiver Sterling Shepard, who did not play Sunday in an overtime victory over the Chiefs because of migraines. Ben McAdoo said Shepard was “not feeling well’’ Tuesday and was undergoing further evaluation. That Shepard was not designated as “out’’ or “doubtful’’ is an indication he is making progress and the Giants believe he has a reasonable chance to play. Shepard made the trip with the team, another hopeful sign.
Also listed as questionable: LB Jonathan Casillas (neck), DT Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison (ankle, elbow), DE Olivier Vernon (shoulder), long snapper Zak DeOssie (trap) and LB Kelvin Sheppard (groin). Calvin Munson, the starting middle linebacker against the Chiefs, is doubtful with a quad injury. G D.J. Fluker (toe), RT Justin Pugh (back) and LB B.J. Goodson (ankle) are out.
Jon Halapio, a first-year player, is expected to start at right guard in place of Fluker. It will be the first NFL start for Halapio, a 2014 sixth-round pick of the Patriots.
“We got a game, we got to go play,’’ Eli Manning said. “I understand it is tough on the players especially late in the year. Linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, guys who are hitting. For me, the recovery process is not as tough as the other guys, but it is tough on the players.’’
Landon Collins was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Chiefs. Collins had a career-high 14 tackles (10 solo) and intercepted a pass, not from quarterback Alex Smith, but from tight end Travis Kelce, as the Chiefs tried some gimmickry and Collins was not fooled.
In the third quarter, he had a tackle for no gain on Kareem Hunt and then a tackle of speedy receiver Tyreek Hill for a 1-yard loss. Collins had his interception in the fourth quarter. This was a throwback showing for Collins, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice last season. He is the first defensive back in Giants history with three career Defensive Player of the Week honors. Not surprisingly, Collins is the first Giants player to receive any NFL weekly honor this season.
McAdoo says he prefers to take a step back on game days, which is why he chooses a player to give the pregame pep-talk to the team before taking the field.
“As a coach, I’m not sure that there is much you can say before the game to help win the game,’’ McAdoo said. “Sunday is game day. That’s the players’ day. It’s all about the players. So I try to empower the players as best I can, and give each player an opportunity to speak pregame before we head out on the field. They don’t know it’s coming. I choose one of the captains each week, and I chose Eli this week, and he showed a little fire, a little passion and was excited to go play.”