The Giants’ Week That Was

The Giants have lost three straight. Their last win came over a month ago. Since then, they dropped late leads to the Patriots and Jets at home, and suffered an embarrassing loss in Washington where the offense was nonexistent through three quarters.

And yet, they’re right in the thick of the race for a division title in the putrid NFC East.

On Monday night, the G-Men (5-7) take their talents to South Beach to face off with the Dolphins (5-7) as they attempt to get back in the win column. Here’s what happened with the Giants this week ahead of Monday’s showdown.

Injury Report

The Giants actually come in fairly good shape. Of course, that’s somewhat relative since the Giants have been one of the most oft-injured teams in the league this season.

Only one player has been ruled out for Monday’s game: SLB Devon Kennard. The second-year linebacker out of USC will miss his second straight game with a foot/hamstring injury. Mark Herzlich will continue to start in his place.

The Giants’ offensive line continues to deal with injuries, as LT Ereck Flowers is questionable with an ankle injury he sustained last week against the Jets. If Flowers can’t go, rookie Bobby Hart will start in his place. RT Marshall Newhouse has been limited in practice all week, but he is probable.

Defensively, the Giants could be without two key players, as DE Robert Ayers (neck) and S Brandon Meriweather (knee) are questionable. Ayers has not practiced Thursday, and is probably less than 50/50 to suit up. If these two are inactive on Monday, Cullen Jenkins and Craig Dahl will likely fill in, respectively.

Donnell, DeOssie to IR

Early this week, the Giants placed a key pair of Giants on season-ending injured reserve. TE Larry Donnell hasn’t played since Week 8 with a neck injury that ultimately cut his season short. Donnell was unable to replicate the success from last year’s breakout season in 2015, as he finishes with just 29 catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Will Tye will continue to be the Giants’ starting tight end moving forward.

The Giants also placed LS Zak DeOssie on IR after suffering a wrist injury. Monday will be the first game DeOssie has missed since being drafted by the Giants in 2007. The Giants signed former Patriots LS Danny Aiken to take his place.

Beats by ‘Tre

In a surprising turn of events, the Giants released DE Damontre Moore earlier this week for what was initially called a violation of team rules. It came out of nowhere, as Moore had carved out a role for himself this year as a rotational pass rusher.

Reports later indicated Moore was released after getting into a fight with Cullen Jenkins over Beats by Dre headphones. Supposedly, Odell Beckham Jr. bought the headphones for the entire team, and Jenkins took two leaving Moore without one. Moore took exception and went after Jenkins, leading to his release. Very strange.