Stopping the run
While the Eagles' passing game had its best performance of the season in Minnesota, the run game had its worst. Saquon Barkley carried the ball 18 times for just 44 yards (2.4), including 19 yards on his final 13 carries. Hurts didn't contribute on the ground either, totaling a loss of 10 yards on four rush attempts, while Tank Bigsby added 11 yards on one carry. The 45 total rushing yards matched the Eagles' season-low and marked the sixth consecutive game in which the unit failed to reach 90 yards on the ground.
One year after his historic campaign, Barkley is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry through seven games. But a significant reason for that has been injuries to the big guys up front. The Eagles' offensive line has dealt with numerous injuries this season, with the latest coming to center Cam Jurgens, who suffered a knee injury against the Vikings that forced him to depart the game early. While Jurgens' status for Sunday is unclear, the Eagles did add a familiar face, signing Sua Opeta, who played in 38 games across four seasons for them from 2020-23, to the practice squad. Philadelphia also got guard Landon Dickerson back last week after the veteran missed the first meeting between the two teams with an ankle injury.
"He's definitely the same threat if you watch the tape," Lawrence said about Barkley. "I think you get lost in highlights and stuff like that, but a down to down play, a down to down running back, he's still playing really well. Numbers don't always show that, but the tape does."
In Week 6, Barkley averaged 4.8 yards per carry, although he finished with just 12 carries and 58 yards. The 73 yards allowed in that game is the lowest mark of the season for the Giants run defense, which came one week after limiting Alvin Kamara and the Saints' rushing attack to 88 yards. However, the Broncos were able to run for 142 yards this past weekend, led by 81 yards on 14 carries (5.8 avg.) from J.K. Dobbins and 48 yards on five attempts (9.6 avg.) from Bo Nix. The Giants don't want to be the team that lets the Eagles run game get going, so the defense will have to keep a close eye on both Barkley and Hurts.
"I see him as one of the most talented backs in the league, explosive, dynamic," Daboll said. "I think he's a hell of a player."
Other injury updates; Gano returns to practice
Adebo and Holland weren't the only defensive players to sit out Wednesday's practice. Outside linebacker Brian Burns (hip) and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck) also did not participate, although Burns told the media "I'm good" when asked about his status for Sunday.
The Giants received some positive news on the injury front Wednesday. Prior to practice, Daboll announced that kicker Graham Gano was designated to return and would practice. Gano injured his groin before kickoff of the Week 3 matchup against the Chiefs and was placed on injured reserve after the game. Gano was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.
"If Graham's ready to go, Graham will be the kicker," Daboll said. "He is progressing in the right direction. So we'll see in a couple days here how it goes, and then make a decision, what we need to do."
Additionally, wide receiver Darius Slayton was on the practice field for the first time since injuring his hamstring against the Saints in Week 5. The veteran wideout said he's "optimistic" about his chances of suiting up on Sunday, but his status won't be determined until after Friday's practice. Slayton was limited on Wednesday.
"I feel good," Slayton said after practice. "Going to try to do what I need to do to get myself ready to play and go."
Center John Michael Schmitz has also made progress as he works his way through the concussion protocol. Schmitz was upgraded to a limited participant (non-contact) in Wednesday's practice, the first time he's taken the field since suffering the concussion in the last meeting against the Eagles.
The following players were also listed as limited participants on Wednesday – tight end Daniel Bellinger (neck), linebacker Swayze Bozeman (ankle), defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (ankle), tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (knee), and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring).
Meanwhile, quarterback Jaxson Dart (ankle) was a full participant.