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by Stephie Smalls @stephiesmallls

This week’s injury report will stay on-brand with the holiday, it is certainly something to be thankful for. 

FINALLY

For weeks I have been teasing the idea of X. McKinney (foot) and O. Ximines (shoulder) to return. Joe Judge seemed optimistic about both players’ possibility to play this Sunday vs Cincinnati. He noted a lot will come down to how they do back on the field in pads and starting to hit. And oh baby, did they look good back on the field yesterday. 

A lot will tell by their practice status, but without DNP (do not practice) Smalls is quite certain the X-Men take the field Sunday *knocks on wood*. These additions will instantly elevate the defense further and be the icing on this delicious defense cupcake. 

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING 

And on the 12th week of football, the IR gave to me T. Crowder (hamstring) and R. Lewis (hamstring). These two also hit the practice field this week. Neither successfully completed the prior week’s practice, but are set to return.

I know it seems too good to be true, but finally, our luck is turning the corner. Hamstrings are worrisome for easy re-injury so the players will likely be eased in and may remain quite limited at practice and in the game.

Let’s get to Smalls Cheat

COVID CREW 

-R. Dixon & J. Kreiter have already been activated from reserve and will play Sunday. 

-G. Gano as long as he is cleared from “Rona” protocol we will get the golden boy back (he will likely owe Judge a few window-closed-hotel-room-kicking laps when he hits the field).

As Smalls told you last week, K. Smith, D. Pettis & M. Peart (wipes tears), will not play this week. NFL changed their protocol for return from COVID/Reserve list. Day #10 will be Sunday, so they will not be eligible to play. We have yet to see Pettis take the field, but he will likely get snaps to return the ball Week 13.

Peart’s snap count has remained minimal, and “Daddy Long Arms” will be back as needed for week 13. Smith was great against the Eagles, especially his blocking; however, this week Toliolo gets to step up and show why the Giants signed him. The fanbase will also be forced into trusting Engram *fingers crossed* once again. None of these inactive will have a truly noticeable difference against the banged up Bengals.

Final Round Up

K. Zeitler (concussion)— I’m not really buying the questionable status on Zeitler. He has had ample time to recover and was FP (full practice) yesterday. With Peart on COVID reserve, there is really no question he will be fully active. 

S. Shepard (hip/toe)— broken record Smalls right here, as I let you know in Volume I Shepard will likely be LP (limited practice) the remainder of the year. LP allows Shep to rest and keep him on the field Sundays. So, I will repeat myself once again—do not panic when you see Shep on the injury report with LP.

J. Bradberry (personal)— minimal information regarding the circumstance that had Judge send Bradberry home early from practice to deal with a family emergency. Bradberry will play Sunday but unknown his practice status for the remainder of the week. He was at the facility Monday & Tuesday and will not be negatively impacted by missing as needed. Without a doubt I will be chanting, “Bradberry do the thing!” a lot against the Bengals.

D. Freeman (ankle & hamstring)— I understand his status is expected to return in week 13. That seems awfully optimistic to me and although I will continue to monitor given the extent of his injuries. The powerhouse Wayne Gallman has proven to be the man. #ContToGallmanOn

Another positive report is a sigh of relief for the Giants roster which seemed riddled with holes since the end of training camp. The Bengals are quite banged up. The Giants coaching staff will have some welcomed flexibility to mix and match. The Giant’s gods are good. The league should be scared…very scared. 

From myself and my family at NY Giants Rush I am thankful for the giant’s nation and our devoted readers. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Xo, Smalls 

Tip: White Claws pair lovely with oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and/or any Thanksgiving food on your plate!