The Giants listed two starters as limited: linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and punt returner Gunner Olszewski (groin), a Bemidji State product.
The Vikings announced eight team captains for this season: quarterback Sam Darnold, right tackle Brian O’Neill, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, safety Harrison Smith, safety Josh Metellus, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, fullback C.J. Ham and long snapper Andrew DePaola.
There are three new names on that list in Darnold, Phillips and DePaola, replacing the three captains — Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks — who left in free agency.
“It’s easy when you can just be yourself,” Darnold said. “This group in the locker room makes it easy to just be myself every single day. That’s the special part about this group. Very honored to be named captain.”
The Vikings’ new kick returner, Ty Chandler, has practiced the NFL’s new kickoff format only because coaches didn’t give him any opportunities in the preseason. It remains to be seen how many kickoffs will actually get returned. Coaches such as Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels have said teams might be more risk averse and accept the 30-yard touchback instead of trying to defend a new play. Chandler hopes the Giants give him chances.
“It’s a different play,” Chandler said. “I’m excited to get a look at it this weekend. We’ve been watching it and practicing it, so it’ll be good to finally run it.”
