Tag: Nate Ebner

Giants injury report: Kadarius Toney added with ankle issue

New York Giants WR Kenny Golladay and TE Evan Engram (calf) were again limited on Thursday, joined by WR Kadarius Toney (ankle).

The New York Giants were back on the field Thursday, preparing for a Week 3 battle against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

One day after exceeding expectations set by head coach Joe Judge and participating in practice on a limited basis, tight end Evan Engram (calf) was back at it.

If Engram participates again on Friday, he stands a solid chance of making his season debut on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the news was not as good for wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hip) or running back Saquon Barkley (knee). But especially Golladay.

Both Golladay and Barkley were still listed as limited. They were joined by rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle).

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: LB Cam Brown (hamstring)

Limited participant: RB Saquon Barkley (knee), DB Nate Ebner (quad), TE Evan Engram (calf), WR Kenny Golladay (hip), DL Austin Johnson (illness), DB Logan Ryan (hamstring), TE Kaden Smith (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (ankle), DL Austin Johnson (illness)

Full participant: N/A

Giants injury report: Evan Engram, Kenny Golladay limited

Five New York Giants, including TE Evan Engram and WR Kenny Golladay, were limited on Wednesday. Three others did not practice.

The New York Giants returned to practice ahead of a Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, and all eyes were on tight end Evan Engram (calf).

Although head coach Joe Judge indicated Engram would only work with trainers on the side, the tight end participated during the portion of practice open to the media. And he looked good.

The Giants opted not to place Engram on injured reserve back in August, believing that he would beat the minimum three-week timetable and return as early as this Sunday. That projection still appears to be on track.

Meanwhile, defensive lineman Austin Johnson was not spotted at practice, while linebacker Cam Brown (hamstring) continued his work on the side.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: DL Austin Johnson (illness), LB Cam Brown (hamstring), S Nate Ebner (quad)

Limited participant: TE Evan Engram (calf), RB Saquon Barkley (knee), WR Kenny Golladay (hip), DB Logan Ryan (hamstring) and TE Kaden Smith (knee)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants Coordinator Corner: It’s the ‘Welcome Wagon’ in New York

All three New York Giants coordinators spoke on Thursday, and there was a common theme: Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

The New York Giants are gearing up for their 2021 season opener this Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Denver Broncos.

There actually are more questions right now surrounding this team than there were when training camp began six weeks ago.

On Thursday, the team’s three coordinators tried to iron out some of the fears and concerns this unbalanced summer has brought on — thanks in large part to returning players.

Giants re-sign Nate Ebner, shuffle practice squad

The New York Giants have re-signed special teams ace Nate Ebner as part of a series of transactions.

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The New York Giants made the highly anticipated move of re-signing special teams ace Nate Ebner on Tuesday, which came alongside a number of other transactions.

“He’s a guy that’s very locked in and focused. He was a captain last year and is a great team leader. This team, what he’s helping build is very important for him and while I don’t speak for anyone else, I don’t mind echoing that for Nate because I know I can speak very directly and honestly. But look, he’s a very important part of this team and we look forward to getting him back,” head coach Joe Judge said in May.

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In addition to adding Ebner back to the 53-man roster, the Giants also terminated the contract of wide receiver C.J. Board before immediately signing him to the practice squad.

Meanwhile, the Giants officially terminated the contract of linebacker Todd Davis, who had announced his retirement last month. They also waived wide receiver Austin Mack with an injury settlement, clearing additional salary cap space in the process.

Finally, the team signed offensive tackle Korey Cunningham to their practice squad. In order to make room for he and Board, defensive back Jordyn Peters and guard Kenny Wiggins were released.

Giants ‘can’t wait’ to get Nate Ebner back

Veteran Nate Ebner is expected to rejoin the New York Giants in the near future and they “can’t wait” to get him back.

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The New York Giants have not been shy about acknowledging that safety Nate Ebner will rejoin the team at some point this year.

However, the question has remained when that time would come.

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Ebner had been attempting to make the U.S. Olympic Rugby team ahead of the recent games, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“Nate’s continuing his rehab right now at home. He’s been in touch with our medical team regularly,” Judge told reporters earlier this month. “I’m not going to go fully into his deal, but I will say this, Nate obviously was competing for a spot on the Olympic team. The nature of Nate is, he doesn’t know how to slow down, so there was a point where he was kind of pushing and pushing his body and he had to make a decision at one point.

“He could talk more directly about it, but obviously he had to step away from the Olympics and kind of focus more on the football season and he’s at a point right now where he had to kind of step back and refocus on the rehab process instead of worrying about going to Tokyo with the competition. I know he’s working hard. That’s the way Nate is and how he’s wired. We’re looking forward to getting him and as soon as we get a chance to get him back, I’m anxious to see him back.”

Judge isn’t the only one anxious to see Ebner return.

“When he gets here, I’ll coach him. That’s kind of my deal with him,” special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey said on Thursday. “I love him to death. Nate is an outstanding leader and has been a great (special) teamer in this league for years. Anytime you can get a guy like that back in your building with that kind of leadership and that kind of experience, I can’t wait to get him back.”

Ebner signed with the Giants last March on a one-year deal and led all Giants players with 332 special teams snaps (80.58%). He was also used on defense as a fill-in at defensive back and linebacker.

Giants Coordinator Corner: Dealing with roster changes, new faces

All three New York Giants coordinators — Jason Garrett, Patrick Graham and Thomas McGaughey — are dealing with roster turnover.

The New York Giants are heading into 2021 regular season with a lot of questions to be answered.

On Thursday, the three coordinators spoke with the team’s beat pool at the Giants’ facility before practice.

Giants’ Joe Judge reiterates plans to re-sign Nate Ebner

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge once again made it clear that once healthy, the team is likely to re-sign Nate Ebner.

Former New York Giants special teams captain, Nate Ebner, could return to the to team very soon if all goes we’ll with his rehab from offseason surgery.

Head coach Joe Judge said on Monday that Ebner, who had hoped to be part of the USA Olympic Rugby team in this year’s games but withdrew due to injury, was rehabbing at home and was in contact with the Giants’ medical staff. He is currently a free agent.

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“Nate’s continuing his rehab right now at home. He’s been in touch with our medical team regularly,” Judge told reporters. “I’m not going to go fully into his deal, but I will say this, Nate obviously was competing for a spot on the Olympic team. The nature of Nate is, he doesn’t know how to slow down, so there was a point where he was kind of pushing and pushing his body and he had to make a decision at one point.

“He could talk more directly about it, but obviously he had to step away from the Olympics and kind of focus more on the football season and he’s at a point right now where he had to kind of step back and refocus on the rehab process instead of worrying about going to Tokyo with the competition. I know he’s working hard. That’s the way Nate is and how he’s wired. We’re looking forward to getting him and as soon as we get a chance to get him back, I’m anxious to see him back.”

Ebner signed with the Giants last March on a one-year deal and led all Giants players with 332 special teams snaps (80.58%). He was also used on defense as a fill-in at defensive back and linebacker.

Ebner and Judge’s relationship goes back years to their days with the New England Patriots. The 32-year-old former sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2012 played his first eight seasons in New England, winning three Super Bowls.

Judge was a special teams assistant and eventually the coordinator for the Patriots from 2012-19. Ebner was one of his key contributors during that period.

When asked about Ebner’s status in June, Coordinator Thomas McGaughey spoke as if there were plans to bring him back at some point.

“To be honest with you because he’s not on roster right now, I’m really not going to comment on it. But you know, any time you get a veteran guy that can help you, that’s a plus, especially a guy like Nate,” he said.

When Ebner returns to health is up in the air, but when he does, expect him to return to the Giants.

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Ex-Giants safety Nate Ebner withdraws from U.S. Olympic Rugby team contention

It’s very possible Ebner will return to the Giants for 2021 if healthy.

Former New York Giants safety and special teams captain, Nate Ebner, could be returning to the Giants sooner than expected.

Ebner announced via Twitter on Tuesday that he is withdrawing from his contention for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Rugby team due to injury. The team is scheduled to play in next month’s games in Tokyo.

“It pains me to announce my withdrawal from competing for a spot at the Tokyo Olympics with the USA Men’s Sevens,” Ebner revealed in a statement on social media. “After the 2020 NFL season, I had an injury that required off-season surgery. While my recovery is on track for the next football season, unfortunately the time tables did not align with trials for the Games.

“Thank you to USA Rugby for welcoming me back into the squad like family. And thank you to the players working so hard to make the Olympic team and help the United States bring home a medal. I’d also like to thank the New York Giants for their support as I chase another dream. I look forward to the 2021 NFL season and will continue to work hard every day to be ready.

“Finally, thank you to all those who supported my journey thus far. Your encouragement has been amazing and motivates me to keep pushing forward.”

Ebner has a close relationship with Giants head coach Joe Judge, who coached Ebner for years in New England before the two were reunited in New Jersey last season. It is almost a foregone conclusion the two will reunite this summer now with the Giants, pending Ebner’s health.

“Technically Nate is a free agent right now but we fully intend for him to be a member of the Giants and he has to go through Olympic rugby training and we’re supporting him with that,” Judge said in May. “But that’s an experience I’ve been through with him before. Actually he returned from the Olympics in 2016 and had a tremendous year for us. So I’ve gone through this before with him. I understand exactly how his training applies, rugby and can lead into football, and look, honestly it was one of his most productive years ever.”

Ebner played all 16 games for the Giants last year and was on the field for 81 percent of the special teams snaps.

“He’s a guy that’s very locked in and focused. He was a captain last year and is a great team leader. This team, what he’s helping build is very important for him and while I don’t speak for anyone else, I don’t mind going echoing that for Nate because I know I can speak very directly and honestly. But look, he’s a very important part of this team and we look forward to getting him back.”

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Olympic hopeful Nate Ebner ‘thankful’ for the support of Joe Judge

Nate Ebner, who has his sights set on the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, is “thankful” for the support of New York Giants head coach Joe Judge.

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Earlier this year, NFL veteran Nate Ebner returned to the United States men’s national rugby team with his sights set on the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Ebner had previously been part of the opening ceremonies at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, but this time around, his goals are a bit loftier. However, his quest would not have happened if not for the support of New York Giants head coach Joe Judge.

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“Joe Judge was there the whole time, he saw me do what I did in ’16 and thankfully I have him around this time and he knew what it did for me as a football player, he knew what it meant to me. When you have that support, it just allows you to confidently go towards what you want to do, and I don’t have to second guess their support or where I stand with them when it is done,” Ebner told Talking Rugby Union.

“Ultimately, I think they like me for who I am and the character that I have and the effort I put towards my job every day and the consistency I bring. Bill [Belichick] respects that, Joe respects that. I think it is the character, it is the work ethic, it is the consistency of who I am.”

And Judge has never waivered in that support of Ebner — not in 2016 when he was an assistant with the New England Patriots and not here in 2021 as head coach of the Giants.

“We are proud to support Nate in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team,” Judge said in March. “This is the second time I have been with Nate while he tries to make the team to represent our country in the Olympics. We know that rugby has been an important part of Nate’s life since he was a young man, and Dave (Gettleman) and I both encouraged him to pursue this opportunity. Nate’s rugby training will keep him in great shape this offseason, and we will stay in touch with him as he goes through the process.”

When Ebner’s quest for Olympic gold concludes, the Giants and Judge will be there to welcome him back with open arms.

“Technically Nate is a free agent right now but we fully intend for him to be a member of the Giants and he has to go through Olympic rugby training and we’re supporting him with that,” Judge said in May. “But that’s an experience I’ve been through with him before. Actually he returned from the Olympics in 2016 and had a tremendous year for us. So I’ve gone through this before with him. I understand exactly how his training applies, rugby and can lead into football, and look, honestly it was one of his most productive years ever.

“He’s a guy that’s very locked in and focused. He was a captain last year and is a great team leader. This team, what he’s helping build is very important for him and while I don’t speak for anyone else, I don’t mind going echoing that for Nate because I know I can speak very directly and honestly. But look, he’s a very important part of this team and we look forward to getting him back.”

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Joe Judge ‘fully expects’ Nate Ebner to return to Giants

Joe Judge said he “fully expects” Nate Ebner to return to the New York Giants after his quest for Olympic gold concludes.

Former New York Giants safety Nate Ebner, who became an unrestricted free agent in March, is currently training for a spot at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

In 2016, Ebner was a part of the opening ceremonies at the Games in Rio, representing the United States of America as part of the national rugby team. Rather than become a free agent this year, he returned to the national team.

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“We are very excited to welcome Nate back into the pack,” U.S. coach Mike Friday in March. “He is not only a talented athlete, rugby player and Olympian, he is a durable individual who knows how to grind and is selfless for the cause.

“Nate is an authentic, good man who carries himself with humility, has a burning desire in his eyes to achieve and a passion to embed rugby and its values in the American sporting landscape. He is a Dawg, a Pioneer and will be up for the challenge as we look ahead to Tokyo.”

Whenever Ebner’s time in Tokyo ends, Giants head coach Joe Judge expects him to return to the team.

Judge expressed support for Ebner at the time of his decision, and also implied there was a possibility for a return down the line.

“We are proud to support Nate in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team,” Judge said. “This is the second time I have been with Nate while he tries to make the team to represent our country in the Olympics. We know that rugby has been an important part of Nate’s life since he was a young man, and Dave (Gettleman) and I both encouraged him to pursue this opportunity. Nate’s rugby training will keep him in great shape this offseason, and we will stay in touch with him as he goes through the process.”

In 16 games last season, Ebner recorded eight tackles and one pass defensed. The special teams captain was also given a 70.1 grade courtesy or Pro Football Focus (41.2 defensive grade).

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