Giants Training Camp Live Updates, August 1

The New York Giants get one step closer to real football on Tuesday when they will practice with pads on for the first time. The Giants won’t be in full pads, they will be in “uppers,” or shoulder pads only.

That means there will be increased hitting along the line, but perhaps not 100 percent full contact. There will be no tackling. Rather, it will be what is referred to as “thump and release.” Hit the ball carrier high to stop him, then let him go. No tackling, and no shots at the unpadded legs.

Still, it is something to look forward to.

“When you put the pads on, the intensity goes to a different level. So we’re going to be smart about how long we’re on the field – that’s the first thing,” coach Ben McAdoo said on Sunday. “We’re going to make sure we teach the fundamentals the right way before we just roll the ball out there and start hitting on each other. So it’s about the fundamental part of the game, and learning how to fit your pads in because you play so much without your pads in the game today.”

Linebacker Jonathan Casillas, last year’s defensive captain, said padded practices are “huge” for defensive players.

“Especially for our interior lineman. I know Snacks [Damon Harrison] has been wanting to get after some guys, but you can’t do too much when we don’t have pads on. And I’ve been wanting to see him, he’s one of the better players in the league,” Casillas said. “And Dalvin [Tomlinson] a young guy, can’t really say he’s done too much because we can’t do anything, interior-wise. Now we’re going to see how good Dalvin is and that’s going to be interesting.”

Even rookie tight end Evan Engram, who probably has only a vague idea what he’s in for, is looking forward to seeing what the defense can do when defenders don’t have to completely pull up rather than hitting a ball carrier or receiver.

“Yeah, actually I am. Those guys fly around and they’re, I think, the best defense in the league,” Engram said. “They’re going to make us better and we have to embrace competition. So it’s going to make us stronger and make us a more complete offense going ahead up on them and being physical with them.”

Follow the action via @BigBlueView on Twitter and in the Twitter stream below. Check back after practice for more updates and analysis.

Practice Schedule

Here are the remaining training camp practices that are open to the public.

• Tuesday, August 1 — 10:55 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 2 — 10:55 a.m.
• Thursday, August 3 — 10:55 a.m.
• Friday, August 4 — 10:55 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 8 — 10:55 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 9 — 10:55 a.m.
• Sunday, August 13 — 11:10 a.m.
• Monday, August 14 — 10:55 a.m.