Giants’ training camp, 8/19: Wednesday practice report

Welcome to the club, Daniel Jones! The New York Giants quarterback on Wednesday joined the group of players who have had to run laps after making mistakes. Jones and center Spencer Pulley were apparently sent running after combining to cause a false start penalty.

Per NJ.com, running backs Sandro Platzgummer and Javon Leake also joined the Lap Club on Wednesday during light practice.

Judge praises Cody Core

The Giants officially placed Cody Core on IR Wednesday after he tore an Achilles tendon.

“I hate it for him,” Judge said. “You watch a guy work his butt off, you know what kind of player he is, what kind of competitor he is, how much he’s invested in us. Everything we’ve asked him to do he’s done 100 percent.”

Core’s loss will hurt the Giants on special teams.

“He’s one of the top special teams players in the league,” Judge said. “Hopefully his injury is something he can come back from full speed. I look forward to seeing this guy in the future ... he’s definitely the kind of guy we want to work with.”

Judge: Specialists peak later in their careers

It’s been known for a few days that the Giants were intending to add former Carolina Panthers’ placekicker Graham Gano to the roster. That became official on Wednesday.

Gano missed last season with injuries to his left leg.

“Our doctors believe right now that he’s healthy enough that we went through with, so I’m confident,” Judge said.

Gano wasn’t available to the Giants when they cut Aldrick Rosas. The Giants initially signed Chandler Catanzaro, but have since moved on to Gano, a 33-year-old 10-year veteran.

“Obviously T-Mac (special teams coach Thomas McGaughey) and Dave (Gettleman) have experience with him from back in Carolina. That goes a long way,” Judge said. “He’s a big-legged guy who’s got experience.”

Judge pointed out that placekickers often don’t reach their prime years until they are in their 30s.

“I think with any specialist — kicker, punter, snapper — you really see their best ball as they get toward their 30s,” Judge said. “They’ve had their time to develop, to understand the league, to really understand how their body works.

“Young guys may have a little bit more pop in their leg at times, young guys. ay have a little bit more raw ability, but when it comes to the NFL specialists they really start peaking around those 30s ages.”

Judge: “Enjoyable to watch” Daniel Jones’ progress

Judge went months after being hired with uttering Daniel Jones’ name or, for that matter, the name of any Giants’ player. He’s now seen Jones work in some live, competitive practice situations. So, what does the coach think of the quarterback?

“I see improvement every day. I see a command within the huddle, where he’s aware of not only what we’re calling but he knows the situation we’re calling it in,” Judge said. “I see someone who’s understanding why Jason’s calling the play he is at that time and how the pieces fit and I see a lot of confidence in his eyes when he goes to the line of scrimmage.

“He still has a long way to go to reach his potential, but he’s working every day at getting there and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

Andrew Thomas adjusting to NFL

First-round pick Andrew Thomas is going to be a key player for the Giants in 2020. Right now, Thomas is learning that the NFL is not the same as college.

“In college, you’re fast, you’re strong, you kinda know your assignment, you usually do well,” he said. “But at this level there’s so much technique you have to learn, so many things before the snap which you have to understand before the ball even hikes I think is the biggest adjustment.”

Upcoming practice, media schedule

Thursday, Aug. 20

9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Practice
Noon – Head Coach Joe Judge Available
12:10 p.m. – Player Interviews

Friday, Aug. 21

10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Practice
1:15 p.m. – Head Coach Joe Judge Available
1:25 p.m. – Player Interviews

Saturday, Aug. 22

Players’ Day Off
No Availability