Giants Expected to Be Without Key Starter in Germany: Report

Getty New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll revealed that wide receiver Darius Slayton is "unlikely" to be available for the Week 10 matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

The New York Giants are expected to be without wide receiver Darius Slayton for Week 10 in Germany against the Carolina Panthers.

“Giants coach Brian Daboll told reporters that WR Darius Slayton (concussion protocol) is unlikely to make the trip to Germany,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport relayed on November 7. “Jalin Hyatt would likely step in.”

Daboll first hinted that Slayton might not travel overseas with the team on November 6, but that early warning sign appears to have become more of a reality one day later.

Along with Hyatt, New York Daily News reporter Pat Leonard noted that veteran wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins could be “a factor” versus the Panthers. Hodgins has only been utilized in one game this season, recording 1 reception for 5 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals.

As for the 2023 third-round selection, Hyatt, he’s been targeted 8 times on the year and has only logged 1 reception for 6 yards. Like Hodgins, the youngster’s biggest impact came against the Bengals, but he has yet to replicate some of the flashes that he displayed as a rookie.

Giants OC Mike Kafka Says Jalin Hyatt ‘Has Not Taken a Step Back’: Report

As Rapoport mentioned, Hyatt would typically be the next man up after Slayton. Many believed the draft pick would swipe the latter’s starting role in 2024, but that hasn’t come to pass.

And that makes an outside observer wonder — has Hyatt regressed in year two? WFAN beat reporter Paul Dottino asked Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka about this exact topic on November 7.

“Kafka on hyatt- has not taken a step back…but he keeps working on fundamentals to be ready for his chance,” Dottino relayed on X. “[Kafka] always talks about specific skills for each player and how to use them in the game plan.”

Will Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones finally work Hyatt’s skill set into the offensive strategy in Week 10?

Throughout his collegiate career, Hyatt was known as a big play threat that could take the top off a defense. Having said that, his route tree was always thought to be limited — which is where Slayton has him beat most weeks.

The Giants haven’t rotated their offensive pass-catchers as much as many expected this season. If that continues in Germany, Hyatt should be in line for a huge opportunity that could theoretically kickstart his 2024 campaign.

Giants QB Daniel Jones Ahead of Panthers Matchup: ‘It’s Always About How We Execute,’ Not Opponent

After complimenting the Panthers on November 6, the Giants starting quarterback reminded that every week should be no different for the offense.

“It’s always about us. It’s always about how we execute [and] how we prepare through the week,” Jones told reporters on Wednesday. Later, he reiterated that despite Carolina’s defensive rankings, “it’s not about who we play against, it’s about doing what we do and executing well as a group consistently for four quarters.”

Jones is coming off his best outing of the season in terms of total QBR. Facing the Washington Commanders in Week 9, he posted a 74.9 QBR out of 100. It was only his third performance of the year that was graded over 70.0.

As a reminder, QBR incorporates a quarterback’s overall impact on the game, including rushing yardage, efficiency and turnovers. In addition to 174 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, Jones added another 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also completed a season-high 76.9% of passing attempts.

Unfortunately, his efforts weren’t enough to get Big Blue the victory over the Commanders.