Getty Kadarius Toney had minor knee surgery during the offseason.
The New York Giants opened training camp on July 27 with one of their key players at 100%. And he didn’t waste time putting on a show.
After offseason knee surgery, wide receiver Kadarius Toney was forced to miss the Giants’ OTAs, leaving some unsure about his health heading into camp. And there was some belief that he would start camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. But based on his opening day performance, he appears ready to go.
Toney made what Giants.com managing editor Dan Salomone called “the catch of the day” as the team practiced in the red zone.
“The second-year pro went up for a pass in the corner of the end zone and kept his feet in bounds when he came down,” Salomone wrote. “It was a good start to the summer as he gets on the same page with [quarterback] Daniel Jones, who threw the pass.”
Kadarius Toney with the TD grab over Aaron Robinson. Look out!
Even before the catch, Giants head coach Brian Daboll was singing Toney’s praises. “KT’s been great,” Daboll said July 27 before camp got underway.
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An Expanded Role for Toney
Toney, who was drafted 20th overall in 2021, was limited to just 10 games during his rookie season, and his overall playing time varied weekly. He finished the season with 39 receptions for 420 yards and zero touchdowns.
But he’s expected to have a bigger role in 2022, and he’s slated as the No. 3 receiver on the Giants’ depth chart behind veterans Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard and ahead of second-round 2022 pick Wan’Dale Robinson and fourth-year receiver Darius Slayton. However, Shepard did land on the PUP list this week, which could signal more opportunities for Toney.
“[Toney’s] done the rehab he’s needed to do. He’s been working hard in the meeting rooms,” Daboll said. “The plan and we’re not talking about injuries from what we did in the spring, but the plan was set in place. And uh, he’s out here without a red jersey, ready to practice.”
Kadarius Toney is expected to be a full participant in practice:
Jones, who threw the end zone pass to Toney, also praised him.
“I thought it was a heck of a catch, to go up and get that ball,” he said, according to Salomone. “I think that’s what he can do. As an athlete, he brings that element to our offense. We’ll keep working and keep trying to utilize what he does well.”
Roster Nearly 100% Healthy
After being plagued by injuries last season, this Giants team appears to be nearly fully healthy. Besides Toney, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, left tackle Andrew Thomas and Golladay and Kadarius Toney all missed time during the offseason managed to avoid the PUP list. Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger is coming off of a quick stint on the list after dealing with a quad injury but appears healthy for camp.
Though much of the roster is healthy, a few players still aren’t ready to go. Besides Shepard, offensive tackle Matt Peart and center Nick Gates are all currently on the list, and second-year edge rusher Azeez Ojulari is on the non-football injury list. The Giants will hope to get him back soon as he will be a crucial piece of their defensive front this season.