For Brian Daboll, the decision is straightforward.
If Darius Slayton, who is in concussion protocol, is out for the Giants’ Week 2 clash against the Commanders, is it as simple as Jalin Hyatt elevating into his role and getting that playing time?
“It is,” Daboll answered before Giants practice Wednesday.
Hyatt’s lack of action was one of the more notable storylines from the Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Vikings in their season opener.
He played just 16 snaps and was targeted by quarterback Daniel Jones only once, which he dropped.
“We have good receivers in that room, we wanted to go with more experience,” Hyatt said Wednesday. “There’s nothing wrong with that. For me, it’s just getting better, focus on myself.”
After the Giants traded up in the third round of last year’s draft to select Hyatt, the former Tennessee star and 2022 recipient of the Biletnikoff Award (given to the best receiver in college football) was expected to have a significant role and help make the offense more explosive.
But he had a quiet rookie year, recording just 23 catches for 373 yards with no touchdowns.
Monday, Daboll explained Hyatt was “our third/fourth receiver” and that Slayton got the vast majority of snaps ahead of him. Though Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson are also ahead of Hyatt on the depth chart, Hyatt’s skill set is most similar to Slayton as a speedy, downfield threat.
Slayton was dressed and on the field for warm-ups Monday, though did not participate in practice.
Asked about his trust in Hyatt, Daboll said simply: “I feel good about him.”
Cornerback Nick McCloud (knee), whom Daboll said on Monday was day-to-day but could take weeks, did not practice Wednesday.
Neither did linebacker Darius Muasau (knee). But Micah McFadden, who was active solely as an emergency option if needed Sunday but did not play due to a groin injury, was a full participant.
He and Muasau have been competing for the same inside linebacker spot next to Bobby Okereke.
Ex-Giants running back Saquon Barkley was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after recording 132 total yards and three touchdowns in his Eagles debut.
Slayton, though the two play for rivals now, notably reposted the NFL’s post announcing the award on his own Instagram story.
Daboll wore an FDNY hat Wednesday to commemorate 9/11 and said that he spoke to his team about the day’s importance.
