Thibodeaux back to practice after missing five games
The New York Giants are “optimistic” that edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux will be able to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Brian Daboll.
The Giants opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for Thibodeaux, who has missed the last five games with a fractured wrist.
Thibodeaux had 11.5 sacks to lead the Giants last season. He had 2.0 in the first five games this season before being injured.
Azeez Ojulari had 5.0 sacks replacing Thibodeaux in the first three games after Thibodeaux was placed on IR, but did not have a sack in the Giants’ last two games.
The Giants are surrendering 22.2 points per game, 16th in the league. They have struggled against the run, though, giving up a league-worst 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. They have given up 157 rushing yards or more in each of their last three games.
Thibodeaux’s physicality should help there.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton, who missed the Week 10 game with a concussion, has cleared protocol and is back to practice.
Wednesday injury update
Giants
Limited participation
LB Matt Adams (Knee)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)
TE Theo Johnson (Back)
DL Dexter Lawrence (Knee)
ILB Darius Muasau (Hamstring)
S Tyler Nubin (Back)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Wrist)
G Greg Van Roten (Abdomen)
Full participation
WR Darius Slayton (Concussion)
Buccaneers
Did not participate
NT Greg Gaines (Foot)
CB Troy Hill (Ankle)
CB Zyon McCollum (Hamstring)
Limited participation
WR Mike Evans (Hamstring)
DB Tykee Smith (Knee)
T Tristan Wirfs (Knee/Foot)
Full participation
G Ben Bredeson (Shoulder)
*CB Jamel Dean (Hamstring — in 21-day window)
DL William Gholston (Knee)
RB Bucky Irving (Toe)
WR Jalen McMillan (Hamstring)