Giants’ Xavier McKinney returns to practice

The New York Giants on Thursday designated safety Xavier McKinney to return from injured reserve, with McKinney practicing for the first time since injuring his left hand while in Cabo during the Giants’ Week 9 bye.

McKinney has now missed seven games since suffering the injury, which required surgery to repair the damage to his fingers.

Being designated to return from IR does not mean that McKinney is off IR and will play this season. It means the Giants now have 21 days to decide whether or not to activate him. Thus, they could delay a decision until into the playoffs — should they qualify. The designation simply means it is possible McKinney could play before the regular season ends.

Head coach Brian Daboll did not rule out the possibility of McKinney being activated for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, saying he is “not sure” that will happen.

“I think the first thing is just let him get out here and move around,” Daboll said. “He hasn’t played in a while. He has a contraption to protect his hand, so we’ll get him started. He has been moving around, rehabbing and his lower body is obviously good, so we’ll go ahead and let him practice and kind of see where he is at. We’ll probably start him (practicing) on the (scout) team right now.”

Adoree’ Jackson, Azeez Ojulari updates

Jackson (knee) and Ojulari (ankle) were both limited in practice for a second straight day. It appears, though, that both are trending toward playing against the Colts.

“They’re making progress,” Daboll said after acknowledging they would be limited. “There’s a chance (for both to play), yeah.”

Jackson has not played since suffering a sprained MCL while returning a punt against the Detroit Lions in Week 11. Ojulari left Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with the ankle injury.

Thursday injury report

Giants

Limited participation

CB Adoree’ Jackson (Knee)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (Ankle)
DL Leonard Williams (Neck)

Full participation

DL Dexter Lawrence (Not Injury Related/Rest)

Colts

Did not participate

WR Ashton Dulin (Concussion)
TE Kylen Granson (Ankle)
CB Kenny Moore II (Ankle)

Full participation

S Rodney McLeod Jr. (Not Injury Related/Rest)