Xavier McKinney won’t return, Adoree’ Jackson unlikely for Giants-Vikings Week 16 game

It does not sounds like cornerback Adoree’ Jackson or safety Xavier McKinney will be returning to the New York Giants lineup this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday that McKinney, who has not played since fracturing fingers on his left hand during a bye week accident, will once again not practice this week. McKinney will miss his seventh consecutive game.

Daboll said that Jackson, who has missed four games since spraining an MCL returning a punt, is “getting better,” but was uncertain whether Jackson would be able to practice this week.

Daboll said Tuesday there are no other new injury concerns.

Without McKinney, second-year man Jason Pinnock has taken over at the safety spot. Nick McCloud and Cor’Dale Flott are getting most of the playing time at cornerback in place of Jackson.

The Giants have to deal with Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson this week. Jefferson leads the NFL in receptions (111) and yards receiving (1,623).

“He’s extremely talented,” Daboll said of Jefferson. “He’s got good quickness, good body control, can run any route. They line him up all over the place, the do a great job with him. He’s hard to cover in man. He’s got great awareness in zone. He’s good after the catch. He can make contested catches. He’s a problem.”

Giants Tuesday injury report

[NOTE: The Giants held a brief walk-through practice. The report is a projection.]

Of particular interest here, rookie edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux and rookie right tackle Evan Neal are both listed as limited. Neal apparently has a shoulder issue. Thibodeaux, the defensive star of the game for the Giants vs. Washington on Sunday, is said to have an elbow injury.

Did not practice

DB Adoree’ Jackson (Knee)
OL Shane Lemieux (Toe)

Limited participation

OL Evan Neal (Shoulder)
LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Elbow)
TE Nick Vannett (Shoulder)
DL Leonard Williams (Neck)