How the 2026 Giants Can Still Succeed Even If Their Starters Aren’t Ready for Week One
The New York Football Giants have spent much of this offseason rebuilding. There has been a lot of discussion regarding both running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers, who will be returning for the 2026 regular season. Both players suffered season-ending injuries this year. Both have stated they will be ready to return to the field for the coming season, and they may be ready for Week One. However, there is a chance that these two may not be and might need more time before getting back on the field at the end of August. New York has a backup plan just in case these two are not ready.
The goal for this offseason was to build the offensive line around the team’s quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Last season, the Giants did not have a clear picture of what they wanted. They also lacked identity. It seemed as if the team had just picked up players that they thought would make New York look good again. However, this backfired by Week Four, when the team decided to bench Russell Wilson, who was then the Giants' starting quarterback. Dart has been their starting quarterback since then, and the former coaches could not find the right pieces to fix their team so that this young starter could make plays happen.
If Skattebo and Nabers aren’t ready, Dart has options that he could get the ball out to. It’s going to take time to figure out how he is going to manage. To fill in for the injured starting running back, New York would have to turn back to Tyrone Tracy Jr. The area that would need the most work from this young running back would be ball control. If Matt Nagy can fix that with Tracy during OTAs and Training camp, the franchise could be in better shape because the ball won’t be lost from him as it has been in past games.
This team also has Devin Singletary, whom they can turn back to. This running has had a decent career so far. He hasn’t been a star, but he has been a player who has been available and reliable in making explosive plays. Singletary has been the type of player who was there to get the ball out. Nagy just needs to rework his run from going down the middle and finding other ways to get through their opponent’s defensive line.
On the other hand, the Giants also face the possibility that they may not have their wide receiver in Week One. The Giants' general manager has been on a spree to sign multiple receivers to cover Nabers if he isn’t ready when the season starts. He has brought in players such as Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, and, more recently, Odell Beckham Jr. They all have something to offer. They’re quick, and they are all able to get the ball where the team needs it to be during games.
Big Blue shouldn’t have to worry, though, with where their team currently stands. John Harbaugh and the franchise have done a fantastic job of adding well-rounded players to their roster. Each of these players must earn their spot on the 53-man roster. The Ole Miss Alum and Nagy have some reworking to do if these two aren’t ready in time for the start of the regular season. Dart must rely on quick passes and a ball-control offense. He also has his tight end, Isaiah Likely, to turn to. New York has the options to make it work without their stars this coming season.
