Ojulari off IR, may return versus rival Commanders

Azeez Ojulari has been something of a forgotten man in the Giants’ 7-4 start, as he has been limited to two games by a series of leg injuries. But if the outside linebacker who led last year’s team with eight sacks as a rookie can stay healthy, it should greatly improve the Giants’ chances of making the playoffs.

Ojulari was among three players, including left guard Ben Bredeson and safety Tony Jefferson, who were designated to return from injured reserve Monday, making it possible he could play against Washington on Sunday. For now, the Giants’ 2021 second-round pick is cleared to return to practice. But the idea that he might be available to enhance a middling pass rush in the crucial NFC East game at MetLife Stadium brightened at least one prominent teammate’s day.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Kayvon Thibodeaux said. “He’s a great player. We have meetings, and we’re in practice every day together. So having him back out there is definitely going to be a one-up for the D-line and for the pass rush, and for the team. So I’m excited to see him really let it loose.”

Bredeson, who missed four games with a knee injury suffered against Jacksonville, represents another big potential add to the lineup for the Washington game.

➤ As the Giants wait to meet later this week with free agent Odell Beckham Jr., they are exploring other options at OBJ’s position. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the team tried out veteran receivers Adam Humphries and Malik Taylor.

➤ Nick Gates, undrafted fourth-year offensive lineman, was named the Giants’ winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, which goes to players who have shown uncommon strength in overcoming adversity. Gates suffered a grotesque injury to his left leg last year in a Week 2 game against the Commanders and endured seven surgeries before returning to play this year in a Week 8 game at Seattle.