After improving to 8-5-1 with victory over the Commanders on Sunday night, the Giants earned the right to control their postseason destiny. If they win their last three games, they will make the playoffs for the first time in six years as no worse than the sixth seed in the NFC.
The final push continues this week with a trip to Minnesota to take on 11-3 Vikings, who just orchestrated the largest comeback win in NFL history. Coach Brian Daboll met with the media before Tuesday's practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center to preview the Saturday matchup and provide injury updates.
Here is everything you need to know:
🔹 Safety Landon Collins was in uniform Sunday night for the first time since Oct. 30 in Seattle. It was his maximum third practice squad elevation of the season. If he is to play again, the Giants must sign him to the 53-man roster. Collins played inside linebacker in the base defense and on special teams and had three tackles (one solo). On Tuesday, Daboll said Collins "did some good things" and they will "see as we get going here the rest of the way" in terms of his roster status.
🔹 Cornerback Adoree' Jackson (knee) is "getting better" while safety Xavier McKinney (hand) will not practice this week. "It's just how his fingers are healing," Daboll said of McKinney.
🔹 While it's hard to replace "really good" players, Daboll said safety Jason Pinnock has done an excellent job of fitting into the defense. "I think the defensive coaches have used him the right way, whether it's in the deep part of the field, down in the box, blitzing. He's been a good addition for us. … He's so explosive. He's got strength and power and good speed. He can bring it."
🔹 What makes Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson so good? "One, he's extremely talented. He's got good quickness, good body control, can run any route. They line him up all over the place. I think they do a great job with him. He's hard to cover in man. He's got great awareness in zone. He's good after the catch. He can make contested catches. He's a problem. … And he can run anything you ask him to run. It's hard to read him because he's so good at the top of the route with his body control, his eyes, his head. He's really good."
🔹 Daboll called Daniel Jones a true pro who has the highest respect from his teammates. "I know he's kind of a quiet guy, but in the huddle, he's a good leader with those guys. He knows everybody's responsibilities. He can get things lined up; he can correct mistakes. He's a problem solver. So, I think the guys have a lot of respect for him."
🔹 On Sunday night, Ben Bredeson played for the first time since injuring his right knee at Jacksonville on Oct. 23 and split time at left guard with Nick Gates. "I think Ben's done a good job. He's been a good player for us when we've asked him to be in there, he's coming back from an injury. I thought he did some good things last game. Still, you try to work those guys in that are coming back. Him, (center Nick) Gates, (center Jon) Feliciano, (guard Mark) Glo (Glowinski), we have a lot of confidence in all four of those guys."
🔹 Daboll said "that's a good question" when asked if the rotation will continue. "I think we'll go through it this week. I think they've all earned the right to play, they know what to do, they're tough, competitive, so that will be a discussion we have kind of at the end of probably every week going forward."
🔹 Daboll worked out former quarterback and current Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell when he was coming out of college in 2008. "Show my age, but he's done a really nice job with that team. They've won a lot of one-score games. Give credit to the players, but give credit to him and his staff too. They've got a lot of good coaches on that staff and to be where they're at right now is a testament to him and his team. Smart player, really good guy, good family, he's done a nice job for that organization."
🔹 Daboll said the Vikings are a resilient team, which is "testament" to O'Connell. Last week, they erased a 33-point deficit and defeated the Colts on Greg Joseph's 40-yard field goal in overtime to capture the NFC North title. "Unbelievable comeback," Daboll said.
🔹 In reference to rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux's breakout game, a reporter recalled that Bill Parcells would always say to them, "Let's not put this guy in Canton just yet." Does that apply here? "I'd probably take a page out of Coach Parcells' book," Daboll said.
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC championship game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giant's quarterback Fran Tarkenton looks for a down-field receiver as he gets set to pass while being chased by Minnesota Viking's Jim Marshall in first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967 in Minneapolis. Tarkenton threw three touchdown passes to give him total of 19 touchdown passes for the season, best in the NFL. (AP Photo)
Vikings running back Oscar Reed, 32, is stopped on the two yard line by N.Y. Giants line backer Jim Files, 58, and defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, 73, during third quarter action at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971. (AP Photo/ Harry Harris
Fran Tarkenton, N.Y. Giants' quarterback, begins first quarter completed pass to fullback Allen Jacobs in NFL exhibition game against the Vikings, Aug. 22, 1967 in New Haven, Ct. The Vikings are Tarkenton?s former team. (AP Photo)
Vikings tight end John Hilton (85) misses a long pass from quarterback Gary Cuozzo, not shown, during third quarter action at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971, New York. Defending for the N.Y. Giants are defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) and Scott Eaton (20). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Minnesota Viking?s pass receiver Bill Brown (30) holds hands out but ball bounces off his helmet as New York Giant?s defender Bill Swain (52) watches Brown during first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities at Minneapolis, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967. Viking quarterback Joe Kapp attempted the pass. Minnesota downed New York, 27-24. (AP Photo/RW)
Minnesota Vikings Herschel Walker rushes for yardage against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings running back Herschel Walker (34) leaps over a fallen teammate during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in November 1989. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants end Leonard Marshall celebrates his second quarter sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Krammer in Monday's 24-14 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, hugs backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler after Hostetler handed off for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. The two were instrumental in the come-from-behind win. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rushes for yardage as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mike Merriweather in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Monday, Oct. 31, 1989. Hostetler came off the bench to substitute for injured Phil Simms to lead the Giants over the Vikings 24-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during a 17 - 10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Jan. 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms looks to handoff during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, left, fights New York Giants right end Michael Strahan, center, after Moon fumbled during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. Giants cornerback Phillippi Sparks (22) is at right. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms sets to pass during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings running back Terry Allen (21) is set to recover a fumble by Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, right, as New York Giants left end Keith Hamilton (75) watches during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings Cris Carter laterals the ball as he is hit by New York Giants Everson Walls, left, and Myron Guyton in the third quarter of play at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 9, 1990. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants head coach Dan Reeves, left, congratulates linebacker Lawrence Taylor after the last defensive series of the NFC playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, Sunday, Jan. 9, 1994. The Giants won 17-10 and will face the San Francisco 49ers next. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter (80) during an 2000 NFC Championship NFL game on January 14, 2001. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants fullback Greg Comella (34) celebrates with wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) after making a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) catches a pass for a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) carries against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday January 14, 2001. The Giants meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV Sunday Jan. 28, 2001 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter is stopped by New York Giants linebackers Mike Barrow, left rear, and Jessie Armstead (98), and safety Shaun Williams (36) during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants reached their first Super Bowl in a decade with a 41-0 romp past the Vikings, the biggest rout in NFC championship history. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) is sacked by New York Giants' Cedric Jones (94) during the second quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) leaves behind Minnesota Vikings cornerback Denard Walker, left, and linebacker Greg Biekert (54) as he runs into the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Giants quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003. At rear is Giants tackle Ian Allen. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, left, throws the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Bryan Kehl, left, Dave Tollefson (71) and Jerome McDougle (95) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants linebacker Kevin Lewis (59) fends off Minnesota Vikings running back Mewelde Moore, left, as he returns a fumble by Moore for 16 yards during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) finds his way through a pack of players on a 5-yard touchdown run during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants wide receiver Willie Ponder (87) evades Minnesota Vikings linebacker Raonall Smith, left, and cornerback Brian Williams (29) on a 3-yard gain during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings' Brian Russell (27) and Chris Claiborne tackle New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) as he pulls in a five-yard pass from Kurt Warner. The catch set up a two-yard touchdown run by Michael Cloud in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 in Minneapolis. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Laroni Gallishaw, left, holds on to the towel of New York Giants running back Tiki Barber as he slips past in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Ralph Brown as he gains 48 yards on a pass play during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) pulls in a 23-yard pass from quarterback David Carr in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, left, during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The Vikings beat the Giants 20-19. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs upfield for a 14-yard gain in the first quarter as the Minnesota Vikings' C.J. Mosley, left, and Spencer Johnson, right, defend at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Damane Duckett, top center, gets a hand up to block a kick by the Minnesota Vikings' Paul Edinger at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson, right is pressured by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings beat the Giants 24-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Minnesota Vikings' Randy Moss, right, in the first quarter Monday night, Nov. 19, 2001 in Minneapolis. Allen was charged with pass interference, setting up Moss for a 28-yard touchdown pass from Vikings Daunte Culpepper on the next play. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Monday October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won 23-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings meet during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) in the first half of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line lines up against the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 49-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp (22) pulls on New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden's (13) jersey during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants jumps on running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings for a tackle at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Osi Umenyoira #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark (55) celebrates after tacking Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre after the Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy King)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen, right, brings down New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, on a kick return during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.(AP Photo/Andy King)
New York Giants running back Danny Ware (28) carries the ball during the fouth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 against Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) avoids Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and Josh Robinson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during a week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out defensive players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Minnesota Vikings during a week 7 football game on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings' Jerome Simpson (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) leaps on the back of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) as he runs the ball for a fourth quarter first down during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Peyton Hillis (44) rushes as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) trails the play during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) leaps and makes a one handed interception of a third quarter pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) leaps over Minnesota Vikings' Jamarca Sanford (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The New York Giants defense takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a 2 point conversion during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Landon Collins (21), Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
