The New York Giants are set to close their preseason slate with a visit from the New England Patriots Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. Entering the game 2-0, the Giants will look to complete a perfect exhibition season while also weighing a number of roster decisions ahead of the 53-man cut deadline.
One storyline to watch is the potential farewell for Tommy DeVito. The veteran quarterback’s status looms large, and fans at MetLife could show him plenty of love if this turns out to be his final appearance in a Giants uniform for the foreseeable future.
Giant observers are also keeping an eye on roster-trim dynamics. Playing time can be the best clue for who might be on the way out, especially for players who either see action late or don’t dress at all. The Giants will be evaluating depth at several positions as they pare the 90-man roster down to 53 players by Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Jaxson Dart is another name to monitor. The rookie quarterback is expected to see a decent amount of action, presenting an opportunity for him to compete for reps ahead of the regular season. Given the likelihood that Russell Wilson will be the Week 1 starter elsewhere, this could be one of the last chances for Dart to showcase his abilities for a while.
Cam Skattebo is also on the radar. Expect limited work from the rookie running back due to a hamstring issue that the Giants won’t want to aggravate.
Outside the quarterback room, questions remain at cornerback and wide receiver. The final dress rehearsal will be a crucial gauge for which players can solidify roles on the depth chart and potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
Giants coach Brian Daboll indicated that healthy front-line players may or may not play this week, underscoring the broader focus on evaluating personnel as decision time approaches.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime with local coverage on NBC-4 New York.
What to watch
– Playing time distribution: who enters near the end of the game or sits out entirely can signal who might be headed for the roster cuts.
– Back-end competition: depth at cornerback and wide receiver remains unsettled, so this game should reveal who takes on bigger roles.
– Quarterback reps: Dart’s performance and workload will be telling as the Giants weigh his future with the team.
– Injury management: Skattebo’s hamstring status and how the team protects it could influence his immediate availability.
Summary
The preseason finale at MetLife Stadium is more than just a tune-up for the Giants and Patriots; it’s a critical roll of the dice as New York trims its roster and evaluates who will contribute when the regular season arrives. Expect meaningful snaps for Dart, cautious handling of Skattebo, and a clear look at the players who will battle for the remaining spots at cornerback and wide receiver. The result could shape several hard decisions in the coming days, while also offering a hopeful note for fans eager to see young talents prove themselves.
Commentary
The game offers a rare opportunity to gauge the Giants’ depth ahead of a pivotal roster decision period. A strong showing from Dart could boost confidence in the team’s quarterback development plan, while solid contributions from late-game players could provide the edge needed to secure a spot on the final roster or practice squad. Overall, this finale carries practical implications beyond the win-loss column and could set the tone for the transition from preseason mode to the regular season grind.