5 Things We Learned: Coordinators talk to media

Inside linebacker is the latest position on the Giants’ defense to get hit with the injury bug. Bobby Okereke last played in Week 13 and was placed on injured reserve last week, thus ending his season early. Now Micah McFadden is dealing with a neck injury he suffered against the Falcons, which has kept him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday. Darius Muasau saw a big uptick in playing time once Okereke got hurt, and the rookie linebacker has risen to the occasion with the expanded opportunity. Now that McFadden is in danger of missing Sunday’s game, the Giants may need to lean even more heavily on the 23-year-old linebacker.

“He’s doing a really good job for us,” Bowen said about the rookie. “I think he’s playing fast, him and Micah both playing fast in there, flying around, been disruptive. I think the front’s been disruptive up front, allowing those guys to run around a little bit, to be a little bit clean, to go make plays. And he’s physical, he’s got some instincts. So, he’s done a good job with the opportunities he’s had, and hopefully that continues here in these last couple weeks.”

Muasau was the Giants’ sixth and final selection in this year’s draft. Unlike the other members of his draft class, it took Muasau more time before he was getting consistent, extended action in games. After Muasau started the last three weeks for the injured Okereke, his defensive coordinator pointed out some noticeable improvements he’s seen from the rookie in recent weeks.

“He comes to work every day, works hard, he’s smart,” Bowen told the media. “Don’t see him make the same mistakes twice, which I think is a pretty good indicator as a coach when you have young guys that are able to learn from their mistakes, where we can progress and move on, and they can move forward. Let’s learn something else now and focus on something else. We kind of got that handled, whether it’s learned by fire or not, which a lot of times when you play young guys, it is that way. I’ve been really pleased with him, and I think he’s taken advantage of his opportunity, and hopefully that continues.”

5. Injury updates; Nabers, Tracy don’t practice

For the second consecutive day, the Giants were on the practice field without two of their top offensive playmakers in wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle). The toe injury is a new one for the rookie wideout, who has played through various ailments for a large portion of the season. As for Tracy, the rookie back aggravated an ankle injury against the Falcons.

It remains to be seen if either rookie is able to get back on the field in time for Sunday’s game against the Colts. Nabers told reporters in the locker room Thursday that he is going to try to practice on Friday, but that he is likely going to be a “game day decision.”

As previously mentioned, center John Michael Schmitz also did not practice Thursday because of the ankle injury he aggravated in Atlanta. If Schmitz is unable to suit up, guard Greg Van Roten will shift to center and Kubas will slot in for Van Roten, although Van Roten (knee) was limited on Thursday so his status will have to be monitored over the next few days, as well.

Also not practicing for the Giants were cornerback Greg Stroman (shin/shoulder), safety Raheem Layne (knee), inside linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), and defensive back Dee Williams (toe).

On the status of all of the injured Giants, Brian Daboll told the media “we’ll see where they’re at tomorrow.”

Safety Dane Belton (knee), cornerback Dru Phillips (knee), defensive lineman Jordon Riley (knee), and defensive lineman Armon Watts (shoulder), all of whom were projected as limited participants on Wednesday, were upgraded to full participants on Thursday.