Giants’ Darius Slayton Steps Up in Special Teams Role After Gunner Olszewski Injury.. A Game-Changer!
The Giants faced a tough challenge on September 8, 2024, as Darius Slayton was forced into a special teams role after Gunner Olszewski’s injury. The Giants suffered a disappointing 28-6 loss to the Vikings at MetLife Stadium, highlighting their struggles in the new season.
With Olszewski unable to play due to a groin injury, Slayton stepped in as the punt returner. His inexperience in this role led to a mishap during the game, further complicating the Giants’ already difficult situation.
Key takeaways:
- Darius Slayton replaced Gunner Olszewski as punt returner.
- Olszewski was injured during warm-ups.
- The Giants lost 28-6 to the Vikings.
- Slayton’s first punt return attempt was unsuccessful.
Darius Slayton’s Special Teams Challenge After Olszewski’s Injury
In a surprising turn of events, Darius Slayton found himself in a special teams position after Gunner Olszewski was injured before the game. The Giants had relied on Olszewski as their primary punt returner, but his groin injury left the team scrambling for alternatives. Slayton, although a wide receiver, had never returned a punt in a game during his five seasons with the Giants. His lack of experience in this role became evident during the game, leading to a missed opportunity on a critical punt.
The Giants’ Struggles in the 2024 Season So Far
The Giants’ 2024 season started on a disappointing note, with a significant loss to the Vikings. The team faced multiple challenges, including injuries to key players like Olszewski and Isaiah McKenzie. McKenzie was lost for the season, and the Giants did not replace him, leaving them vulnerable. Slayton’s attempt at returning punts was just one of the many issues they faced during the game.
Injury Impact on the Giants’ Roster
The Giants’ roster has been heavily impacted by injuries this season. Key players have been sidelined, affecting the team’s overall performance. Here are some notable injuries:
- Gunner Olszewski – Groin injury, unavailable for the game.
- Isaiah McKenzie – Season-ending foot injury.
- Carter Coughlin – Pectoral injury during the game.
- Nick McCloud – Knee injury, left the game early.
For more information on the Giants’ performance and updates, visit [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com) or [ESPN](https://www.espn.com).
