Dru Phillips left the Giants’ 34-25 win over the Bills early with an injury, thrusting Nic Jones into the slot and testing New York’s depth in the secondary. Brian Daboll offered no specifics on the injury or timeline, leaving Week 1 status up in the air for a player who has been pushing for a prominent role this summer. The Jets loom with joint practices this week before a Saturday MetLife clash, making every health update at cornerback especially consequential for NYG’s defensive plan.

Jones’s early entrance and the uncertainty around Phillips underscore NYG’s need for reliable rotational pieces behind their top corners. If Phillips is unavailable or limited, Jones could see a sizable uptick in snaps, potentially impacting the Giants’ coverage assignments and fantasy projections for the team’s defensive backs. Fantasy managers should monitor injury news, depth-chart tweaks, and any practice updates as Week 1 approaches.

The development also serves as a reminder that even in the preseason, depth at cornerback matters for a defense that aims to clash with explosive passing offenses. Updated health information will shape how NYG approaches Week 1 game-planning and how fantasy lineups value Giants’ defensive backs and any opportunistic players stepping into larger roles.

New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown, who recently interviewed for the vacant GM position with the Jaguars, has not been selected as a finalist. Brown, a former executive with the Eagles, has faced tough competition in multiple hiring cycles. Despite this setback, he remains a respected young executive in NFL circles. The Giants have made moves to bolster their roster, signing cornerback Nic Jones and wide receiver Montrell Washington to reserve/future contracts.

Jones, a seventh-round draft pick, had limited action last season but showcased potential in his rookie year with Kansas City. Washington, who has experience with the Broncos and Chiefs, will aim to carve out a role, especially in special teams. The Giants also revamped their coaching staff, bringing in new faces to enhance their secondary and quarterback coaching. Meanwhile, former Giants WR Kadarius Toney was arrested on serious charges, adding to the team's off-field concerns.

Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers faced significant challenges ahead of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs, with multiple key receivers sidelined due to injuries.

With Jalen McMillan ruled out and Chris Godwin on injured reserve, the Buccaneers were already short-handed. Mike Evans was also out with a hamstring issue, leaving Mayfield with limited options.

On the other side, the Chiefs also dealt with injuries, missing JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Jared Wiley, who was placed on IR after an ACL tear.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, bolstered by the activation of wide receiver Justyn Ross and cornerback Nic Jones from the practice squad.

This marks a potential return to action for both players, who have been sidelined due to roster cuts and injuries. Ross, a former Clemson standout, had a brief stint last season before a suspension, while Jones contributed primarily on special teams as a rookie.

With injuries impacting the Chiefs' roster, these moves aim to enhance their depth for the upcoming game.