Giants Get Beason Back, Cruz Still Out Against Washington

Preparing for a game on a short week is never an easy task for injured players, and the Giants are experiencing that first-hand as five players have been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Redskins.

Not surprisingly, WR Victor Cruz (calf) remains out. Reports have indicated Cruz is set to return for a Week 4 matchup against Buffalo.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Odell Beckham will obviously remain the Giants’ top receiver, but following the release of Preston Parker, Beckham could see more action in the slot on three-wide sets. Expect the Giants to get the ball to their best offensive weapon by any means necessary on Thursday.

The Giants have also ruled out starting CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (concussion). DRC left last week’s game briefly with a burner, but returned only to suffer the concussion. He remains in the concussion protocol, and the four days between Sunday and Thursday weren’t enough for him to be cleared.

With Rodgers-Cromartie out, Jayron Hosley is likely to start alongside Prince Amukamara on Thursday. Since being drafted in 2012, Hosley has started just nine games for the Giants. He took over after DRC left last week’s game, and Tom Coughlin praised his play afterwards.

Starting DT Markus Kuhn (knee) remains out after missing last week’s game. Against the Falcons, the Giants moved Cullen Jenkins to the inside to start alongside Johnathan Hankins, and could do the same on Thursday.

The Giants also ruled out TE Jerome Cunningham (knee) and DE Owa Odighizuwa (foot).

Also troubling is the fact that LT Ereck Flowers is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury he sustained on Sunday. Flowers did not participate in practice at all this week, and the Giants are likely to be without the first-round rookie. Veteran John Jerry is listed as Flowers’ direct backup on the blind side.

The Giants may also be without starting DE Robert Ayers (hamstring), who is questionable for Thursday’s game. He missed practice on Monday but got in limited sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, so it’s possible he’ll suit up against Washington.

If Ayers sits and Jenkins kicks inside to defensive tackle, the Giants would likely start some combination of Damontre Moore, Kerry Wynn and George Selvie at defensive end.

Jon Beason (Associated Press)

There is some good news, however. LB Jon Beason (knee) got in two full sessions over the past two days, and is listed as probable for Thursday’s game. The defensive captain will make his regular season debut if he is active, and his presence would bring a huge boost to the Giants’ run defense.

In addition to Beason, G Geoff Schwartz (illness), DT Jay Bromley (knee), TE Daniel Fells (foot) and DE Cullen Jenkins (hamstring) are listed as probable.