The New York Giants’ preparations for their Thanksgiving night showdown against the Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a major blow, with starting quarterback Tommy DeVito now considered a long shot to play due to a concerning forearm injury. According to a source close to the situation, backup QB Drew Lock is poised to make his first start of the season in DeVito’s absence, thrusting the Giants’ offense into a state of uncertainty ahead of this crucial NFC East clash.
DeVito’s Questionable Status Leaves Giants in Limbo
Tommy DeVito, who took over as the Giants’ starting quarterback following the surprise release of Daniel Jones last week, is officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game after sustaining a forearm injury in the team’s 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but DeVito’s absence from Wednesday’s walk-through practice and his failure to travel with the team to Dallas earlier in the day have raised serious doubts about his availability.
The Giants released a statement confirming that DeVito remained in New York for further evaluation while the rest of the team made the trip to Dallas, with the expectation that he would join them later on Wednesday. However, a source with knowledge of the situation has indicated that DeVito is unlikely to suit up against the Cowboys, leaving the Giants’ offense in the hands of the relatively untested Drew Lock.
Drew Lock Set to Make First Start of 2024 Season
If Tommy DeVito is indeed ruled out, Drew Lock will be called upon to make his first start of the 2024 season in a high-stakes divisional matchup. Lock, who joined the Giants in the offseason after stints with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, has seen limited action thus far, primarily in mop-up duty during blowout losses.
Drew has been preparing diligently each week, and he’s ready to step in and lead this offense if called upon. We have full confidence in his ability to execute our game plan and give us a chance to win.
– Giants head coach Brian Daboll, addressing Lock’s potential start
While Lock possesses a strong arm and good athleticism, his inconsistency and decision-making have been questioned throughout his NFL career. The Giants will likely lean heavily on their running game and short passing attack to alleviate the pressure on their inexperienced signal-caller, but Lock’s ability to protect the football and make plays when needed will be critical to the team’s success.
Giants Offense Faces Uphill Battle Against Stout Cowboys Defense
The uncertainty surrounding the Giants’ quarterback situation could not come at a worse time, as they prepare to face a formidable Dallas Cowboys defense on the road. The Cowboys, led by All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs, have been one of the NFL’s most disruptive units this season, ranking in the top five in both sacks and takeaways.
- The Cowboys’ defense has recorded 35 sacks through the first 12 weeks of the season, tied for 3rd most in the NFL
- Dallas has forced 22 turnovers (14 interceptions, 8 fumble recoveries), ranking 4th in the league
For the Giants to have any chance of pulling off an upset victory, they will need to establish a strong ground game behind the powerful running of Saquon Barkley and rely on their own stingy defense to keep the score close. However, with the inexperienced Lock at the helm and the looming threat of the Cowboys’ pass rush, the Giants’ offense faces an uphill battle in what could prove to be a season-defining moment.
Questions Linger as Giants Approach Critical Juncture
As the Giants navigate the uncertainty surrounding Tommy DeVito’s injury and the challenges that lie ahead, the team finds itself at a critical juncture in their season. With a record of 5-6 and their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Giants must find a way to overcome adversity and deliver a strong performance against their division rivals.
The coming days will provide clarity on DeVito’s status and the Giants’ quarterback situation, but regardless of who is under center come Thursday night, the team will need to rally together and execute at the highest level to keep their postseason aspirations alive. In a season filled with twists and turns, the Giants’ resilience and determination will be put to the ultimate test as they face the Cowboys in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving.
