This is how you go from bad to worse: Lose key players in the process of losing another game.
At 0-3 after losing to the Falcons 17-14 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, it is almost certain the Giants will face the Saints in Week 4 in New Orleans without linebacker Blake Martinez and wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton. All three players did not make it to halftime and all three are difficult to replace.
“It sucks to see those guys go down,’’ Saquon Barkley said.
The Giants lost Martinez, their defensive signal-caller, two minutes into the game when he went down on a non-contact injury after he missed a tackle on Cordarrelle Patterson near the sideline. Martinez had to be helped off the field and was quickly ruled out with a knee injury — ominous signs that could indicate an anterior cruciate ligament situation.
“I have not seen Blake; I have not talked to the doctors after the game concerning Blake,’’ coach Joe Judge said. “I don’t have an answer on that one. Hopefully, it’s not serious. Blake is obviously a key part of our team, he’s a leader, he’s a hard worker, he’s a tough dude. We’ll see where he’s at and hopefully it’s going to trend in the right direction.’’
Reggie Ragland, a six-year veteran in his first season with the Giants, replaced Martinez.
Shepard was the Giants’ best receiver the first two weeks of the season and Slayton is the team’s most potent deep threat. Their absences will hasten the need for rookie Kadarius Toney (two catches for 16 yards vs. the Falcons) to become more of a factor on offense.
“Hopefully, it’s a quick turnaround for both those guys,’’ Judge said of Shepard and Slayton. “They’re obviously integral parts of our offense.’’
Filling in, Collin Johnson — acquired off waivers from the Jaguars on Sept. 1 — made his Giants debut and caught five passes for 51 yards.
Rookie LB Azeez Ojulari sacked Matt Ryan for a 4-yard loss, his third sack in three games. Ojulari, a second-round pick from Georgia, is the first Giants player ever with at least one sack in each of his first three games. … RB Devontae Booker was a healthy scratch. Rookie RB Gary Brightwell gained 4 yards on his first (and only) NFL rushing attempt.
WR Kenny Golladay went through an extensive pregame workout, with Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman watching intently, before he was cleared to play. Golladay was limited during the week with a hip issue. He had four receptions for 64 yards.
Judge lost a challenge with 3:51 remaining in the second quarter after an incomplete pass was called when S Julian Love knocked the ball away from WR Olamide Zaccheaus. Judge contested it should have been ruled a fumble that the Giants recovered.