Notebook: QB Drew Lock on track to start vs. Colts

*Lock had an MRI on his throwing shoulder Monday, but it revealed no damage.

“Everything came back good,” Lock said. “It’s one of those – right hand, right shoulder. It was, ‘Hey, let’s go get this looked at just to make sure everything’s all right.’ It came back good, so rocking and rolling.

“It (happened) on the third down conversion (in the first quarter) to Belly (tight end Daniel Bellinger), just threw it. Arm came across, (Falcons outside linebacker) Matthew (Judon) got me there toward the end. Arm got yanked across, had to go check it out. So, played the rest of the game. It was the second third down in the game but just wanted to get it looked at.”

*The Giants practiced today, one day earlier than normal, so they can have Christmas Day off. After full-speed individual work, the team held a walk-through for an hour. Players not participating included running back Tyrone Tracy, wide receiver Malik Nabers, center John Michael Schmitz, linebacker Micah McFadden, cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Greg Stroman, safety Raheem Layne, and defensive tackle Cory Durden.

“It’s Tuesday, so it’s a little different,” Daboll said.

*The Giants activated linebacker Dyontae Johnson from injured reserve. Johnson, who spent the entire 2023 season on the Giants’ practice squad, hurt his ankle near the end of what had been an impressive training camp for him. He could make his NFL debut on Sunday.

“It’s definitely a long time coming,” said Johnson, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie from Toledo in 2023. “But throughout that process, I was just making sure I was ready to go whenever my number is called.”

Johnson was part of the original 53-man roster before being placed on injured reserve, which made him eligible to return this season. In camp, he seemed poised to contribute on special teams and as a defensive reserve.

“Definitely felt like I took that next step from year one to year two,” he said. “(Getting injured) was hard, just knowing that all my hard work had paid off, but I couldn’t play. At the end of the day, whatever happened, happened. I’m thankful I’m still here.”

In a corresponding move, defensive tackle Casey Rogers was waived.

*The Giants also announced nose tackle Armon Watts returned to practice. He has been on injured reserve with a shoulder injury since Nov. 27.