INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The New York Giants faced a significant challenge in their recent game against the Los Angeles Rams due to the absence of cornerback Deonte Banks, who was inactive because of a calf injury. Banks had previously made four tackles and broken up two passes in his Week 1 return to the starting lineup after a difficult previous season. This marked the first setback in what was anticipated to be a strong year for the 2023 first-round pick.
With Banks out, the Giants were missing two of their top four cornerbacks, as Paulson Adebo is currently on injured reserve. This forced the team to start rookie second-round pick Colton Hood opposite Greg Newsome II, who was also dealing with injuries. The Rams took advantage of this situation, with Davante Adams recording eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the first three quarters, including a touchdown that extended the Rams' lead to 21-3.
Hood and rookie Arvell Reese were involved in a touchdown catch by Kyren Williams. Safety Jevón Holland contributed defensively with an interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Other inactive players for the Giants included LB Micah McFadden, S Jason Pinnock, OT J.C. Davis, TE Thomas Fidone II, DT Darius Alexander, and DT Bobby Jamison-Travis.
Running back Najee Harris made his debut for the Giants, participating in a game where five running backs were active. Harris, who previously suffered a torn Achilles, had limited success with only six rushing yards on two carries inside the 10-yard line.
Defensively, Abdul Carter recorded the Giants' first sack of the season after six quarters without one, while Brian Burns had the team's only other quarterback hit. Burns had previously been the subject of trade discussions, as the Rams reportedly offered two first-round picks to the Panthers for him in 2022. Burns expressed surprise at the size of the offer and the Panthers' decision to decline it, stating that it would have altered his career trajectory.
The Giants later acquired Burns from the Panthers, signing him to a five-year, $141 million extension in March 2024, in exchange for a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and a fifth-round pick swap. Additionally, receiver and returner Braxton Berrios and ILB Malik Harrison were elevated from the practice squad for the second consecutive week, with one more elevation available for each player.