EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – There is no such thing as a doubt in Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s thoughts that his NFL debut will come on Monday night time towards the division-rival Dallas Cowboys.
“Oh yeah, I am enjoying!” Thibodeaux instructed ESPN after Saturday’s remaining follow of the week.
It has been trending this manner all week. Thibodeaux and fellow edge rusher Azeez Ojulari did considerably extra in follow, though they have been listed as restricted individuals.
Ojulari, who had 8.0 sacks final 12 months as a rookie, additionally expects to make his season debut on Monday night time.
“I am good,” Ojulari stated. “I am excited, man. Able to go. My first sport.”
Thibodeaux (knee) and Ojulari (calf) are formally listed as questionable, however they count on to play barring any last-minute setback.
“I hope so,” coach Brian Daboll stated earlier than the ultimate follow of the week.
In the meantime, large receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and defensive lineman Leonard Williams (knee) didn’t follow Saturday and are listed as uncertain.
Thibodeaux hasn’t performed since struggling a sprained MCL in his proper knee from a minimize block within the second preseason sport towards the Cincinnati Bengals. Ojulari was injured at follow this summer season.
They have been additionally restricted at follow final week, however regardless of Thibodeaux expressing some optimism it all the time appeared like a longshot. This week they each took half in 1-on-1 pass-rushing drills and have been seen not simply jogging however sprinting.
“Enchancment,” Daboll stated. “They’ve taken good steps. I feel they’re much higher than they have been the week earlier than. Hopefully they will have a great day [Saturday], and we’re transferring in the correct path with these guys.”
Thibodeaux was the fifth total decide on this 12 months’s draft out of the College of Oregon. He was having a robust summer season previous to the harm.
There was little doubt that Thibodeaux was going to play an enormous position in new coordinator Wink Martindale’s protection. He had been a starter for the reason that first day of OTAs within the spring.
The Giants (2-0) have performed it cautiously with their edge rushers. They have been uncertain on the ultimate harm experiences every of the primary two weeks.
Thibodeaux felt there was one thing to show this week.
“That I can go,” he stated. “I might be wholesome, and I can carry out the totally different strikes and duties that I have to do my job at a excessive stage.”
New York’s protection has performed nicely with out its high two pass-rushers. They’ve allowed 36 factors within the first two weeks. However in addition they have simply three sacks.
Getting Thibodeaux and Ojulari again shall be a lift for the protection.
“Explosion. Undoubtedly move rush,” Ojulari stated of what they will be including. “Searching to the ball. Play as a unit and make influence performs collectively.”
The Cowboys (1-1) are scheduled to begin Cooper Rush at quarterback on Monday night time towards the Giants.
