Notebook: Jalin Hyatt ‘staying ready’ for his opportunity

Coach Brian Daboll has already fielded several questions about Hyatt’s relative inactivity.

“He has his role in personnel. Slayton, Nabers, and Wan’Dale – I’ve covered this. They’re the starters in half personnel. He (Hyatt) has a role. When his number’s called, he’ll be ready to go. He’s in good spirits. Jalin and I and the receivers talk every day. We meet a lot. I have a lot of confidence in Jalin. Jalin knows that. When he has a chance to make a play, he’ll go out there and make a play.”

Today he was asked about Hyatt again, this time in the context of whether the Giants can use his explosiveness.

“I think we have four explosive guys,” Daboll said. “I think Wan’Dale is explosive. Nabers is explosive. Slayton is explosive. Hyatt is explosive. Again, they all have roles. Those other guys play a little bit more than Jalin. But when Jalin has his opportunity, I certainly have a lot of confidence in him.”

Hyatt is still bothered that he didn’t secure the one pass thrown to him this season, on a first down in the fourth quarter against Minnesota.

“I blame myself on that one,” he said. “That was the opportunity that I didn’t come down with.”

Hyatt is confident he will the next time he has a chance.

“I love football,” he said. “I’m a competitor and obviously I want to be out there with my guys. But some things I can’t control. The big thing is staying ready, being ready whenever your number is called. I know my chances will come and I have to take advantage of them. The only way you can get to where you want to be is to take advantage of your opportunities that come to you. That’s what I’m focused on.

“There’s no pouting. This is the NFL. I got to continue to keep getting better. I’m a professional. This is my job. Whenever that chance comes, I will be ready. Trust me.”

*For the second consecutive Friday, one of the Giants’ star players was added to the injury report, this time with a game status. Outside linebacker Brian Burns (groin) was limited in practice and is listed as questionable for the game Sunday in Cleveland.

A week ago, wide receiver Malik Nabers was placed on the injury report with a knee. But he practiced fully, and no game status was designated, indicating the Giants were certain he would play. Nabers scored his first NFL touchdown while catching 10 passes for 127 yards.

Defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (abdomen) was also added to the injury report. He was limited in practice, as was outside backer Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder).

Rookie inside linebacker Darius Muasau is questionable with a knee injury. He did not play last week.

Linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons, who missed practice the previous two days for personal reasons, worked fully, as did tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (neck).

Cornerback Nick McCloud (knee) has been declared out for the second straight week.

Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will also miss his second game in a row because of the fractured leg he suffered on the sideline in the season opener. Bullen underwent surgery, did not go to Washington, and will not accompany the team to Cleveland. His role on the sideline will be assumed by defensive assistant Ben Burress.