The New York Giants have enough problems these days. They don’t need any new ones. They don’t get to choose though. The physical nature of the game often chooses for them.
The Giants' injury report has a new key addition to the list -- defensive tackle Damon Harrison. He injured his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers and missed practice on Wednesday.
Offensive lineman Justin Pugh (back) and linebackers B.J. Goodson (ankle) and Kelvin Sheppard (quad) also did not practice. Coach Ben McAdoo said Monday that Pugh was expected to miss some time. He had tried to play through a back problem but was being shut down after only making it through the first half on Sunday.
Harrison, Sheppard and Goodson also appear to be long shots to make it to this week’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Giants were already listed as 10.5-point underdogs.
The Giants would likely turn to Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas to fill Harrison’s spot if he’s unable to play this week. It would be a significant downgrade in the run game. Neither is the dominant force in the middle like Harrison, who is by far and away Pro Football Focus' top-ranked run defender with a grade of 94.2 this season.
The Chiefs are tied for first in the NFL with 4.8 yards per carry.
Pugh’s absence will likely force Bobby Hart back into the lineup at right tackle. Hart allowed a pair of sacks in the second half on Sunday. The Giants’ other option is to take a look at undrafted rookie Chad Wheeler, who is a left tackle but has taken some snaps in practice in recent weeks at right tackle.
Goodson and Sheppard are the Giants’ top two options at middle linebacker. Next in line is undrafted rookie Calvin Munson. The Giants also signed Deontae Skinner and Akeem Ayers in the past week.
Full Giants pre-practice injury report
CB Donte Deayon (ankle)
RG D.J. Fluker (knee)
LB B.J. Goodson (ankle)
DT Damon Harrison (ankle)
LB Devon Kennard (quad)
LB Calvin Munson (quad)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (knee)
OL Justin Pugh (back)
LB Kelvin Sheppard (groin)