Concern as 1st-round corner sprains knee
The Giants’ streak of injuries continued Sunday when first-round pick DeAndre Baker “felt something” in his knee during individual warm-ups at practice.
He didn’t participate in team drills and had an MRI exam. While there was no official announcement, the rookie reportedly sprained his left knee. He will undergo further tests Monday and the timeline for recovery is unclear.
“Yeah, just in his individual warm-up type stuff, something with his knee,” head coach Pat Shurmur said following practice. “We’re just checking it out [with] an MRI. I have no information on that right now. [ It happened] just kind of in the warmup drills. He just felt something so he’ s getting that checked out.”
Baker had been penciled in as a starter opposite Janoris Jenkins, making a potential serious knee injury a big concern for the Giants. Baker had one tackle in the 33-21 win over the Jets on Thursday night.
The Giants drafted Baker to complete their trifecta of first-round picks in April, joining quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. GM Dave Gettleman traded back into the first round to grab Baker, dealing the No. 37 pick, a fourth-round pick and a fifth-rounder to the Seahawks for the 30th pick.
Fellow rookie Corey Ballentine slid in with the starting defense to fill Baker’s spot. The 23-year-old said he’s ready to step up whenever the Giants need him, but was particularly happy to compete against a faster-paced offense in practice and use it as an opportunity to improve.
“I’ve said it all along he’s a very competitive, tough guy, and because that’s his nature, when we’re playing the uncontrolled game of football, he shows up,” Shurmur said of Ballentine. “That’s why he’s out there. He’s done a good job to this point. We’re hopeful that he’ll stay on the same track and keep getting better.” J ab rill Peppers revealed a little team secret called the “turnover trophy.” Each day, whoever forces a turnover during practice is given an actual trophy — re porte dly a small one — to reward their efforts.
“Yes, it makes you compete and want to go out there and cause turnovers. It’s just a good little thing,” Peppers said.
Ballentine is leading the way with five trophies.
Along with Ballentine, fellow rookie Ryan Con
nelly also took reps with t he f irst-team defe ns e . Connelly, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin, is shaping out to be a dependable linebacker.
“He played well the other night,” Shurmur said. “If you have a starter that’s going to not be in there for a couple of days, then he’ll just step right in. I think he’s ready to do it.”