Giants could rest starters Sunday; Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is questionable

The New York Giants regular season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles could have the look of a preseason game, at least on the Giants’ side of things.

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post is reporting that the Giants are expected to rest several of their key starters this week.

Dunleavy is reporting that several starters have already been informed that they’ll have this week off, and that Tyrod Taylor could get the nod to start against the Eagles.

If Taylor starts, he’ll be the 65th different starting quarterback in the NFL this year, setting a league record. The Arizona Cardinals decision to start David Blough last week tied 2022 with 2007 for the record as the 64th different starter this year. It probably isn’t a coincidence that 2022 has been one of the worst years for offensive football in recent memory.

The news that the Giants could rest their starters certainly isn’t unexpected, and it’s seemed likely that the Giants’ injured players would get rest heading into the post-season.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has confirmed that defensive lineman Leonard Williams (neck) and edge defender Azeez Ojulari (ankle) have been ruled out this week. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, out since Week 11, is doubtful. Center Jon Feliciano (back) is questionable.

If Jackson doesn’t play, he will enter the playoffs having missed seven straight games. If Feliciano doesn’t play, Nick Gates would likely play center. Ben Bredeson could also get snaps there.

It makes sense that the Giants will rest their key players. They have little to gain in this game, and will likely face a struggling Minnesota Vikings team in the Wild Card round. The Vikings just lost their starting right tackle and suddenly look very vulnerable following an embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers.

On the flip side of things, the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be playing to win as they fight to secure the top seed in the NFC.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, but looks to be on track to play this week. He took first team reps in practice on Thursday and head coach Nick Sirianni said that Hurts is “trending in the right direction”. Sirianni also said that they are “hopeful” that safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will return this week as well.

The Eagles are officially listing Hurts as questionable.

Hurts’ presence is a significant upgrade over Gardner Minshew for the Eagles’ offense. He has quickly become an excellent passer and his athletic ability unlocks the Eagles’ varied and dangerous running game. Gardner-Johnson has missed the last five games after being placed on the injured reserve with a lacerated kidney. But despite that, he still leads the Eagles’ defense in interceptions with six.

Giants-Eagles injury report

Giants

OUT

OLB Azeez Ojulari (Ankle)
DL Leonard Williams (Neck)

DOUBTFUL

CB Adoree’ Jackson (Knee)

QUESTIONABLE

C Jon Feliciano (Back)

Eagles

OUT

T Lane Johnson (Groin)
CB Avonte Maddox (Toe)
DE Josh Sweat (Neck)
LB Shaun Bradley (Wrist)
DE Janarius Robinson (Ankle)

QUESTIONABLE

QB Jalen Hurts (Right Shoulder)