EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The New York Giants have returned to work after their extended Thanksgiving break in the United States, and they could reunite with some key players ahead of their crucial game against the Washington Commanders, a club on the rise.
Rookie tackle Evan Neal, rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger, guard Ben Bredeson and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari – four starters – are expected to be available to play on Sunday.
Ahead of Tuesday’s practice, Giants head coach Brian Daboll sounded optimistic that several absentees from recent weeks will return.
The two rivals in the National Conference East have taken different paths in recent weeks.
The Giants (7-4) have won six of their first seven games but have just lost three of their last four games, including two in a row.
The Commanders (7-5) have won their last three meetings, and six of their last seven outings. After five games, they were 1-4.
There are still a few injured players left at the Giants who may not be ready to play against the Commanders.
Top cornerback Adoree Jackson (knee), guards Josh Ezeudu (neck) and Shane Lemieux (toe) and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (concussion protocol) did not practice Tuesday.
Flott was injured in the Thanksgiving game against the Dallas Cowboys. The others missed the duel against the Cowboys, which the latter won.
Oulari, the Giants’ sack leader last season with eight, has missed his team’s last seven games with a calf injury.
Neal, drafted seventh in the last draft, has missed the last four games with a knee injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 23.
For his part, Bellinger was hit in one eye against Jacksonville, and he had to have surgery to repair his fractured eye socket.
He underwent several eye tests, some similar to tests for a concussion. Until last week, he was plagued with occasional double vision issues.
It’s still hard to say if Bredeson will be ready to return to left guard after missing the last four games.
