LB Blake Martinez misses practice

After the New York Giants lost rookie safety Xavier McKinney and LB David Mayo, we are all understandably sensitive to the prospect of the Giants losing a starter to injury. So it was certainly noteworthy when starting MIKE linebacker Blake Martinez missed practice Thursday morning.

Noteworthy and concerning.

As of this writing we don’t know why Martinez wasn’t on the practice field ahead of Friday night’s intra-squad scrimmage, nor do we know how long he’ll be absent from the field. That being said, we will certainly pass along more information as we get it.

Head coach Joe Judge said Martinez was “checking with the trainers on something,” but also added that he is “not overly concerned.” Judge also said that more information would be available later.

David Mayo had a career year stepping into the starting role in 2019, but the Giants still needed an upgrade in the middle of their defense. They signed Martinez hoping that the former Green Bay Packers tackle machine would be that upgrade. But now Mayo is expected to be out for roughly a month following surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and the Giants could have some worries if Martinez is forced to miss time.

The good news is that sophomore (though some would argue he is still a rookie) linebacker Ryan Connelly returned to the field today after missing the previous four practices. Connelly is still working his way back from the torn ACL which ended his rookie season, and caution certainly behooves him and the Giants.