Here is everything you need to know heading into Saturday's preseason opener between the New York Giants and New York Jets:
FANS RETURN FOR PRESEASON OPENER
For the first time since Dec. 29, 2019, fans will see the Giants play a game in person at MetLife Stadium. While they got a sneak peek earlier this week at the Giants Fan Fest, Saturday night will also be the first time they see a Joe Judge-coached team in live action.
"There's a reason this is such a paramount organization in the National Football League, and that really starts with the fans," Judge said. "The game is about the players, it's about the fans, that's really what the connection is. The passion of New York, having the experience to be in MSG during a Knicks playoff game and feeling the energy of those fans really pouring into the game, that's something that's unique. You don't go into every stadium and feel that energy and passion. There's a natural demeanor in this area of the country, specifically in North Jersey and New York of – look, it is a mentally tough area. That's the way it is, that's the way it's supposed to be, and that's the way we've got to train our team to be."
GIANTS VS. JETS HISTORY
The teams met in 51 consecutive summers (1969-2019) before last year's game – and the NFL's entire preseason schedule – was canceled due to the pandemic. This will be just the fourth time the teams that share MetLife Stadium will meet in the preseason opener. They also faced each other to open the preseason in 1983, 2010 and 2019 and were scheduled to do so again in 2020. The Giants have won the four previous preseason meetings to tie the annual series – which began in 1969 – at 25-25-1. The tie was in 1972.
View rare photos from the local rivalry between the Giants and Jets.
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Giants Joe Morrison (40) tugs away from New York Jets Steve Tannen to score the Giants first touchdown, Sunday, Aug. 23, 1970, New Haven, Conn. Morrison scored on a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton. (AP Photo)
New York Jets Al Woodall (62) during a game against the New York Giants on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Al Woodall played for 5 season, all with the New York Jets and was a 1-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Tucker Fredrickson lead blocks for New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Tucker Fredrickson played for 6 years all with the New York Giants and was a 1-time Pro Bowler. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Willie Young (69) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Willie Young played for 10 years all with the New York Giants.(David Durochik via AP)
.New York Giants Carl Lockhart (43) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Carl Lockhart played for 11 years all with the New York Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Jets cornerback Earlie Thomas (45) and Giants defensive back Ken Parker (26) square off in third quarter melee that developed after the Jets ended a 65-yard drive by stopping the Giants' Tucker Frederickson for no gain at the one-foot line, Nov. 1, 1970. Giants rolled to a 22-10 victory over the Jets, in their historic first meeting. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank bellows into microphone on sidelines during first quarter of game with the New York Giants at Shea Stadium, Nov. 1, 1970. Joe Namath, out with an injury, his bandaged hand in his pocket, is at left. Wayne Stewart (89) stands next to Ewbank. (AP Photo)
New York Jets coach Joe Walton, right, greets New York Giants coach Bill Parcells following their game Dec. 27, 1987, E. Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
New York Giants' fullback Rob Carpenter takes the ball for a two-yard gain before being tackled by Kirk Springs of the New York Jets during first quarter action at Giants' Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 2, 1984. Bobby Bell (58) of the home team Jets follows up on the play. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau (99) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants Dec. 2, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is congratulated on the sideline after scoring on a 61-yard touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Head coach Jim Fassel, right, shakes Toomer's hand as quarterback Kent Graham (10) pats him on the back and receiver Brian Alford (80) pats him on the head. Toomer scored three touchdowns as the Giants won 41-28. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Mike Sherrard tries to outrun New York Jets Ronnie Lott during the first quarter of their pre-season game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor r(56) rushes against the New York Jets in an NFL game in 1993. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Joe Montgomery (25) carries for an eight-yard gain before being stopped by New York Jets' Steve At water, bottom left, in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Montgomery carried the ball 38 times for 111 yards in the Giants 41-28 victory. Jets Dorian Boose reaches for Montgomery. (AP Photo/ Ron Frehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) outruns New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones (55) as he goes 61 yards for a touchdown on a pass by quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway kicks a 29-yard field goal with four seconds left in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Matthews(88) and David Diehl(66) block New York Jets as Giants Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, is congratulated by Rich Seubert after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Jets Leon Washington, left, is grabbed by New York Giants Justin Tuck as Michael Strahan (92) reaches out during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants Jeremy Shockey is congratulated by Michael Matthews after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass while playing the New York Jets during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey breaks free of a tackle attempt by New York Jets' Kerry Rhodes to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. The Giants won 35-24. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass from quarterback Kerry Collins for a touchdown as New York Jets' Aaron Beasley (21) defends in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway (9) is congratulated by holder Jeff Feagles (10) as teammates Wayne Lucier (62) and Visanthe Shiancoe (82) celebrate after Conway kIcked a 29-yard field goal in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants field goal kicker Brett Conway (9) watches his kick that won the game for the Giants against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday Nov. 2, 2003. Holding is punter Jeff Feagles. The Giants beat the Jets 31-28. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, shakes hands with New York Jets coach Eric Mangini after a preseason football game in this Aug. 25, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during a preseason week 3 NFL football game on August 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, speaks with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after the Giants defeated the Jets 26-3 in a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates the victory with quaterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs yells during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Cullen Jenkins (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Deon Grant (34) tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) celebrates the win after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Michael Boley, left, and Justin Tuck celebrate a sack by Tuck during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford celebrates during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz (80) runs 99 yards for a touchdown as the New York Jets sideline watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Kenny Phillips intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw steps in to the end zone to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul, top, sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Darrelle Revis, right, looks over a New York Giants huddle during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants enter the field before an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz jumps over a New York Jets defender while scoring 99-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this Dec. 24, 2011, photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford, N.J. With a running game that is last in the league, the Giants' offense must rely on the arm of Eli Manning in their playoff game scheduled for Jan. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Fans during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Plaxico Burress (17) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz, left, celebrates with Brandon Jacobs during the fourth quarter after scoring his second touchdown of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants defeated the New York Jets 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Antrel Rolle runs with the ball after an interception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) looks to make a tackle during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with teammates, including Wayne Gallman (22) and Rhett Ellison (85), after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates with Bennie Fowler (18) after they connected for a touchdown during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Michael Owens)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, right, runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Jamal Adams (33) chases New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) directs the offense during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Blessuan Austin (31) tackles New York Giants' Darius Slayton (86) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley evades a tackle by New York Jets' Harvey Langi (44), Marcus Maye (20) and Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with Darius Slayton (86) after Slayton scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants' Oshane Ximines (53) tackles New York Jets' Le'Veon Bell (26) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston (21) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams (99) rushes toward New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) takes part in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on theNew York Jets in a week 10 regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
PRESEASON PLAYING TIME
With the addition of a 17th regular-season game, the NFL reduced the preseason schedule from four games to three. Judge, who announced that quarterback Daniel Jones will not play in the preseason opener, will treat Saturday's game like the traditional fourth preseason outing, which typically means little to no time for starters. Judge added that the third preseason game – Aug. 29 vs. New England – is when his starters will play the most.
ZACH WILSON TO DEBUT FOR JETS
Meanwhile, in Florham Park, the Jets announced that rookie quarterback Zach Wilson is expected to play at least two series in his first NFL preseason game. The Jets selected Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
JUDGE VS. SALEH
Saturday night will be the first time Judge and first-year Jets coach Robert Saleh man opposing sidelines, and it will be a good test for the Giants' offense. Now in his 17th season coaching in the NFL, Saleh spent the previous four seasons as defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. Since 2017, his group had ranked third in the league in passing yards allowed (211.4) while producing Pro Bowl players at linebacker (Fred Warner), cornerback (Richard Sherman) and defensive line (Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner). His defense also helped San Francisco advance to Super Bowl LIV.
UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART
The New York Giants released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Saturday's preseason opener. As always, it is subject to change. It simply serves as a guide and is more for the media than the coaches.
"I tell our guys all the time, when they come in, the depth chart is really blank," coach Joe Judge said. "And as we start practicing and they start putting together things on tape, you start filling in names based off of what they're doing. That can change every day. It's really just cumulative. It's what you do consistently day in and day out. Some guys may flash one day, some guys may flash another day, but ultimately you want to go ahead and measure who's consistently dependable, who's productive for you on the field. But in terms of filling those names in, yeah, the answer is as we start practicing, the names start getting filled in. Now, they're not written in permanent marker, so at any point, based on who is playing, the best get in that spot."
View photos of the Giants' first unofficial depth chart of the 2021 season.
WR: Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, C.J. Board
TE: Evan Engram, Kaden Smith
RT: Nate Solder, Matt Peart
RG: Will Hernandez, Ben Bredeson
C: Nick Gates, Billy Price
LG: Shane Lemieux, Ben Bredeson
LT: Andrew Thomas, Matt Peart
RB: Saquon Barkley, Devontae Booker, Gary Brightwell
FB: Eli Penny, Cullen Gillaspia
WR: Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney, Collin Johnson
TE: Kyle Rudolph, Kaden Smith
QB: Daniel Jones, Mike Glennon
SLB: Lorenzo Carter, Quincy Roche, Cam Brown
DE: Dexter Lawrence
MLB: Blake Martinez, Reggie Ragland, Justin Hilliard
NT: Austin Johnson, Danny Shelton
WIL: Tae Crowder, Carter Coughlin
DT: Leonard Williams, Raymond Johnson III
OLB: Oshane Ximines, Azeez Ojulari
LCB: James Bradberry, Rodarius Williams, Josh Jackson, Sam Beal
SS: Jabrill Peppers, Julian Love
FS: Logan Ryan, Xavier McKinney
RCB: Adoree' Jackson, Darnay Holmes, Keion Crossen
LS: Casey Kreiter
H: Riley Dixon
P: Riley Dixon
PR: Jabrill Peppers, Adoree' Jackson, Kadarius Toney
KOR: C.J. Board, Jabrill Peppers, Kadarius Toney
K: Graham Gano
STANDOUTS SO FAR AT CAMP
For those keeping track of camp standouts, they know rookie cornerback Rodarius Williams and wide receiver David Sills have made their presence felt as they try to carve out a place on the depth chart. For more on players to watch on Saturday night, click here.
ROSTER REDUCTIONS COMING
Here are some important dates to follow regarding the roster:
Aug. 17: Prior to 4:00 p.m., clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 85 players on the Active/Inactive List.
Aug. 24: Clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 80 players on the Active/Inactive List.
Aug. 31: Clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List. Simultaneously, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; terminate or request waivers with the designation of Failed Physical or Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.
JOINT PRACTICES ON HORIZON
Although Judge doesn't think joint practices with other organizations will fully compensate for one fewer preseason game, he values them. Over the next two weeks, the Giants will hold such sessions in Cleveland and New England ahead of their preseason matchups.
"I've said before, there's no replication for a game," Judge said. "Any experience these players get in a game itself is critical at the beginning of the season not only for their mental preparation, but also physically getting ready with the flow of the game, the hits you're going to take. The things you do in practice, you don't do a lot of live tackling, so the game is obviously played and ends with some kind of tackle. So, the game itself is critical for them to be prepared physically and mentally.
"But in terms of the joint practices, it's definitely a key part of our preparation. Obviously, next week we're at Cleveland, after that we'll be in New England. Both will be unique in our experiences in terms of what we're going to focus on with the other team, but both will be critical for us."
COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF
After the preseason opener, the Giants have less than a month until they kick off at home against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. They'll follow it up with a short week as they hit the road to face the defensing NFC East champion Washington Football Team on Thursday Night Football.
View the best photos from the Giants Fan Fest on Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium.
Single Game Tickets
A limited number of Giants 2021 single game tickets are on sale now
