The New York Giants' inactive list for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys includes a stunner -- safety Cooper Taylor. The third-year man was thought to be a candidate to start the season opener alongside Landon Collins.
The remaining inactives are as follows: WR Victor Cruz, LB Jon Beason, OL Bobby Hart, DT Louis Nix, DE Owa Odighizuwa, TE Jerome Cunningham.
With Taylor not active, that means veteran Brandon Meriweather will start. It also means that the only active reserve safety is recently-signed Craig Dahl. Perhaps the Giants are opting for the experience of Meriweather and Dahl with rookie Uani' Unga having to play middle linebacker in Beason's absence.
Cruz (calf) and Beason (knee) were ruled out on Friday. Odighizuwa has apparently been dealing with a foot issue. Leaving Hart inactive means the Giants will carry only seven offensive lineman Sunday night. Leaving Cunningham inactive means that only two tight ends, Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells, will suit up.
Nix was claimed off waivers by the Giants this week. Jasper Brinkle, also claimed off waivers this week, will be part of the active roster.
If it matters to you, offensive lineman La'el Collins is among the Cowboys' inactives.