EAST RUITHERFORD, N.J. - Offensive lineman Nick Gates played his first game of the season on Oct. 20 in Seattle. Matt Peart made his season debut last week vs. Houston. Shane Lemieux could suit up for the first time Sunday, when the Giants host the Detroit Lions. Evan Neal and Ben Bredeson should soon recover from their knee injuries and be healthy enough to play.
When they do – and if everyone else remains healthy - the Giants will have 11 available offensive linemen, a position group in which eight players usually get a uniform on gameday. That will give the coaches plenty of options.
"What we'll truly have is competition," offensive line coach Bobby Johnson said. "And that's what this is all about. It'll make us better. When you have to compete for your opportunities or maximize your opportunities, it makes the whole group better. We've been preaching that since the day we got here. When I say that to guys in the meeting rooms, they don't flinch at it. They actually welcome it, and that tells me we're heading in the right direction from a culture standpoint. When they get back, just competition. I'm very transparent about it because Dabs (head coach Brian Daboll) is very transparent about it. Every day, you've got to compete. When they all come back, it's just more competition. Like I said, that's a good thing for the room. It's the best thing for the team. And ultimately, it's team first."
Football coaches often say they let competitive situations play out in practice before choosing who will play in a game. Johnson offered a different take.
"To be honest with you, they'll make the decision for us, and that's what I tell them," Johnson said. "This is something I tell them at the beginning of training camp – I have never cut a player. Players cut themselves. And they look at you kind of strange, but what I mean by that is if you don't capitalize on your opportunities, you will cease to get opportunities. So, we really don't make a decision at the end of the week. They make a decision based on how they handle their opportunities. And that's really what it is.
"We're very transparent about it. We're very clear about it. If a guy ever has a question, we'll give him the straight scoop on it. Sometimes they might not like it, but they respect it. Sometimes at the end of the day, if you handle that man-to-man, face-to-face and the guy's not getting the answer he wants, I think he knows deep down there might be something a little bit different he can do to change the outcome. And if that's the case – if the guy knows that and understands that – I think you're headed in the right direction because they can say, 'Next time, I'm going to do this a little bit differently so that I come out ahead.' And that's all we can ask for."
View photos from practice as the Giants prepare for their Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Saquon Barkley
Landon Collins (21)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Tae Crowder (48)
Micah McFadden (41)
Daniel Jones (8)
Landon Collins (21)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Austin Calitro (59)
Tae Crowder (48)
Daniel Jones (8)
Cor'Dale Flott (28)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Vernon Butler (91)
Cam Brown (47)
David Sills V (13)
David Sills V (13)
Micah McFadden (41)
Julian Love (20)
Kalil Pimpleton (81)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Makai Polk (87)
Makai Polk (87)
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Tae Crowder (48)
Micah McFadden (41)
Shane Lemieux (66)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Austin Calitro (59)
Richie James (80)
Jaylon Smith (54)
Austin Calitro (59)
Vernon Butler (91)
Micah McFadden (41)
Kalil Pimpleton (81)
Kalil Pimpleton (81)
Landon Collins (21)
Marcus Johnson (84)
*Four weeks into the season, wide receiver Darius Slayton had one catch for 11 yards. In the five games since, he's totaled 18 catches for a team-high 316 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-year pro has also provided an example of how to respond to adversity and maintaining a positive attitude.
"His demeanor has been the same," receivers coach Mike Groh said. "He's been the same guy every day, regardless of circumstance or the situation he found himself in. He kept his head down, went about his business, gone to work, and was ready when his number was called. His team needed him. And he's seen his opportunities expand and grow."
"It's tough for these young guys that go through some tough spells," Daboll said. "It's tough for everybody, everybody wants to play. You love as a coach to play everybody, but he wasn't playing a lot early, he was inactive (in the season opener). He just kept a very positive attitude, attentive, knew what to do, was ready when his number was called and then he had some opportunities. He made the most of them and he's earned the right to play and be a starter for us."
*Defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson spoke about the loss of safety Xavier McKinney (who suffered a hand injury during the bye week) and the response from fellow starting safety Julian Love, who assumed both the signal-calling and most of the free safety duties.
"Obviously, not having him (McKinney) is a big loss to the defense," Henderson said. "He plays so many roles for us and can do so many things really well that what we've done trying to replace him, we've got multiple guys playing pieces of what he did. And trying to spread the responsibility around.
"Julian has done a phenomenal job adjusting and playing where we need him to play based on the situation, based on the call, based on time of the game and even adjusting that in game when we need to. He's been phenomenal for us that way."
*Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger is the only Giants player declared out of the game Sunday against Detroit. He has not practiced since he was inadvertently punched in the left eye in Jacksonville on Oct. 23.
Evan Neal, a rookie who started the first seven games at right tackle, is doubtful with a knee injury, also suffered in Jacksonville. He returned to practice this week but has been limited.
"He's done some movement things and moved around, and I think (that's) kind of the next step for him coming back," Daboll said. "But he's made strides each day."
Five players are questionable: defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (back), wide receivers Kenny Golladay (hamstring) and Wan'Dale Robinson (hamstring), safety Dane Belton (clavicle) and offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (neck). They were all limited in practice.
Kicker Graham Gano did not practice due to illness.
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders, carried for three yards before being brought down by Giants Erik Howard and Carl Banks, rear, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 18, 1989.
Detroit Lions fullback Ace Gutowsky hurdles over New York Giants line for 9 yard gain in game on Nov. 1, 1936 at the Polo Grounds. The Giants won, 14-7. (AP Photo)
Detroit Lions lions Alex Karras (71) attempts to block a pass by New York Giants quarterback Earl Morrall (11) during an NFL game in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 10, 1967, file photo, New York Giants' Bob Crespino (89) is tackled by Detroit Lions' Tom Vaughn (48) after taking a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton for a first down in the first period of an NFL football game at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms escapes the grip of Detroit Lions Eric Williams as he rushes for a 15-yard gain in the third quarter of the game at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., on September 17, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders (20) and Lomas Brown (75) scramble with New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) to recover a bad handoff during their match-up at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 19, 1990. The Giants defeated the Lions 20-0. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
Barry Sanders (20) of the Detroit Lions is stopped by Stacey Dillard (71) Jessie Armstead, rear center, and Coleman Rudolph (91) of the New York Giants after a 13-yard gain on a pass from Scott Mitchell during the first quarter of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1994. (AP photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway (80) looks back at Detroit Lions cornerback Bryant Westbrook (32) and Giants receiver David Patten as he prepares to score a touchdown in overtime to defeat the Lions 26-20, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Sunday, Oct. 19, 1997. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber evades Detroit Lions' Keith Smith, center, and Alex Lewis on his way to score a touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Oct.24, 2004 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington, left, is sacked by New York Giants safety Gabril Wilson during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Detroit Lions' Shaun McDonald (84) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York won 16-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald, right, and New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison, left, reach out for the loose ball intended for McDonald in the fourth quarter of the football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 in Detroit. Madison intercepted the ball to end the Lions final drive. The Giants beat the Lions 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka tackles Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. Kiwanuka broke his left leg after teammate Osi Umenyiora rolled over his leg during the tackle. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants safety James Butler (37) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) late in the fourth quarter of a football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, in Detroit. The Giants beat the Lions, 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, right, stops Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones (34) in mid air as Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery, left, holds his foot for a 5 yard loss in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant (25) during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown on a 10-yard reception against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams (11) reaches for the ball after New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) deflected the pass intended for Williams during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. The pass was ruled incomplete. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) fumbles after being hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Detroit Lions' Drew Stanton laughs after an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Detroit Lions play the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw runs the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs, center, jumps for some extra yards during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade tackles him during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (96) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) strips Detroit Lions quaterback Drew Stanton (5) in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Maning( 10) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield (96) applies pressure against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (84) is tackled by New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Detroit Lions linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) reacts after scoring a touchdown as Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, right, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84), defended by Detroit Lions free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (42), scores on a 1-yard reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is chased by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, right, greet each other after an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch while being covered by Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a week 15 NFL football game on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) intercepts a pass to Detroit Lions' Anquan Boldin (80) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 17-6. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as Detroit Lions' Devin Taylor (98) closes in on him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions strong safety Tavon Wilson (32) tackles New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs for yardage in action against the Detroit Lions Sunday December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) is tackled by New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Nick McCloud (44)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday November 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78)during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
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