[jwplayer digsn7wj-ThvAeFxT]
The New York Giants could certainly use second-round pick Xavier McKinney back in their secondary, but the versatile safety may still be a ways off from returning.
McKinney, who suffered a broken foot during training camp and subsequently landed on injured reserve, was originally projected to return at some point in mid-November. And while that’s still possible, it sounds like the Giants will air on the side of caution when it comes to their rookie and his rehab.
“He’s doing a really good job in his rehab. I know the trainers are pleased with the progress he’s making,” Judge told reporters on Tuesday. “Obviously, everyone is on their own individual timetable, but I do know I see him in the weight room making progress. This guy’s in good spirits. He does a tremendous job for us in meetings, staying engaged, staying up on scouting reports of other teams.
“We give him some projects internally to make sure he improves his own football IQ in terms of how to look at the other teams, that he’s mentally preparing and mentally advancing while he can’t physically be on the field for us.”
Judge stopped short of saying McKinney will be back this season, opting instead to go with a “we’ll see” approach.
“We’ll see where he is in terms of the long-term, getting him back on the field. We’re all very optimistic and eager to get him back on the grass,” Judge added.
In McKinney’s absence, the Giants have struggled a bit at safety. Additional injuries have resulted in a rotation involving Julian Love, Adrian Colbert, Sean Chandler, Logan Ryan and Nate Ebner. Most of those players have been underwhelming with the exception of Ryan, who has played well at multiple positions.
Given that the Giants sit at 1-6 on the season and in last place of the NFC East, they certainly aren’t going to rush their second-round pick back. Rather, they may give McKinney a few more weeks to recover before putting him back out on the field in December.
[lawrence-related id=658461,658463,658451]