All hands on deck as Giants begin practicing for Vikings

Adoree’ Jackson, Leonard Williams, Azeez Ojulari practice

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that “everybody will practice” as the Giants begin on-field preparations for Sunday’s wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

That means that cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, out since Week 11 with a knee injury, defensive lineman Leonard Williams (neck) and edge defender Azeez Ojulari (ankle) were all be on the field.

“I’m encouraged where everybody’s at,” Daboll said.

Jackson, the Giants’ best cornerback, would be a welcome addition as the Giants try to defend Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who led the NFL with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards this season. Jefferson had 12 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota’s 27-24 Week 16 victory over the Giants.

Daboll said the Giants did not intentionally hold Jackson out to have him ready for the playoffs.

“I’d say with all our players, not just Adoree’, when they’re ready to play is when our medical staff feels comfortable with them playing. They have to feel comfortable,” Daboll said. “we would never put a player out there that doesn’t feel ready or isn’t ready.

“I think he’s made progress here the last couple weeks in practice, and hopefully he will continue to do that this week.”

It’s all about consistency

Daboll has preached consistency all season. That isn’t changing now that the Giants are preparing for a playoff game.

“Feels like a normal Wednesday,” Daboll said. “Get ready to go. Same practice. Same meetings. Same schedule — other than that there’s a few more people here that I haven’t seen in a while.”

Justin Jefferson is good — who knew?

As mentioned above. Jefferson burned the Giants for 12 catches, 133 yards and a touchdown. What did Daboll learn?

“That he’s really good. But we knew that going in,” Daboll said. “There’s not a lot of players or a lot of teams that can stop him. He’s one of the best in the league, he’s a dynamic player, he’s got a lot of production, he’s an exceptional route runner.

“He’s a very tough player to defend.”

Interest in Mike Kafka

Reports Monday indicated that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will interview for head-coaching vacancies with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans. Daboll went through interviews for three seasons before landing the Giants’ job.

“It’s an honor,” Daboll said. “The biggest thing is focusing on what you have to focus on, which I know Mike will. There will be a time and place after the season to talk about that.

“That’s really a team, usually when you win people credit. I’m happy for the guys that would get that opportunity, but I know where their focus is right now.”

One-possession games

The Vikings are an astounding 11-0 in one-possession games. Daboll was asked what he learned from that.

“That they make plays when it matter the most and that the coaches do a good job of putting them in play, that they’re consistent, that they play for 60 minutes, that they’re a tough out,” Daboll said.

Wednesday injury report

Giants

Limited participation

C Jon Feliciano (Back)
CB Adoree’ Jackson (Knee)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (Ankle)
S Jason Pinnock (Shoulder)
DL Leonard Williams (Neck)

Full participation

S Xavier McKinney (Fingers)

Vikings

Did not participate

CB Cam Dantzler (Ankle/Personal Matter)

Limited participation

LB Brian Asamoah (Knee)
C Garrett Bradbury (Back)
S Harrison Smith (Knee)

Full participation

DL James Lynch (Shoulder)