The New York Giants have been walking a tightrope ever since an 0-2 start to the season. Even though the Giants (4-4) lead the NFC East, Sunday's game against the 3-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET/FOX) is another game on that very thin tightrope.
Following the Buccaneers game, the Giants host the 7-0 New England Patriots. Considering that the Giants will almost certainly be a heavy underdog against the Patriots, Sunday's game in Tampa becomes even more important.
The Giants hope to get a boost from defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who will play for the first time this season. The Giants' defense, last in the league in sacks and yardage allowed and coming off a game in which it allowed 52 points and 614 yards, can use any help it can get.
The Giants will be without linebackers Jon Beason (akle/knee) and J.T. Thomas III (ankle), cornerback Prince Amukamara (pectoral), tight end Larry Donnell (neck) and wide receiver Victor Cruz (calf). Beason's season ended Saturday when he was placed on IR to make room for {ierre-Paul on the 53-man roster.The Bucs will be without wide receiver Vincent Jackson (knee), defensive tackle Jacquies Smith (ankle) and safety Major Wright (hamstring). Smith leads the Bucs with five sacks.
The Giants will hope to fare better against Bucs' rookie quarterback Jameis Winston than they did against Drew Brees. They will also hope that the career-high six-touchdown game from Eli Manning last Sunday is a sign that their offense is ready to shed the inconsistency that marked the first seven games.
Game Details
What: Giants at Buccaneers
Date: Sunday, Nov. 8
Game time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL.
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin
Giants Radio Network: WFAN 660 AM, 101.9 FM in Tri-State area
Announcers: Bob Papa, Carl Banks, Howard Cross
Local radio affiliates:
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Spanish radio broadcast: WADO 1280-AM (Nestor Rosario, Frances Adames)
National radio: Westwood One -- Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker, Scott Graham; SIRIUS -- 133 (NYG), 126 (TB); XM -- 232 (TB)
Odds: Giants -3
Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Injury Report
Giants
Out
CB Prince Amukamara (pectoral)
LB Jon Beason (ankle/knee)
WR Victor Cruz (calf)
TE Larry Donnell (neck)
LB J.T. Thomas III (ankle)
Questionable
CB Leon McFadden (groin)
WR Rueben Randle (hamstring)
LB Uani 'Unga (neck)
Probable
S Craig Dahl (neck)
RB Orleans Darkwa (back)
OG Geoff Schwartz (ankle)
Buccaneers
Out
WR Vincent Jackson (knee)
DE Jacquies Smith (ankle)
S Major Wright (hamstring)
Questionable
DE William Gholston (knee)
DT Tony McDaniel (groin)
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder)
S D.J. Swearinger (toe)
Probable
OG Logan Mankins (not injury-related)
DT Gerald McCoy (shoulder)