The New York Giants will be minus two linebackers when they face the Washington Redskins this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Defensive captain Alec Ogletree will miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Much to Ogletree’s chagrin, his injury came on a play in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that never officially happened.
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With a little more than four minutes remaining in the first half, Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston was sacked by defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence for a seven-yard loss. The ball hit the ground, causing what appeared to be a fumble initially recovered by Lawrence. Lawrence fumbled the ball and it was picked by Ogletree, who returned the apparent fumble 79 yards before he brought down by Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin.
The replay official reviewed the play and determined Winston was in the act of throwing the ball and the play was dead when it was recovered by Lawrence. The call on the field was reversed and the fumble wiped out. Unfortunately for Ogletree, the damage was already done literally and figuratively.
“That’s pretty terrible,” Ogletree said Thursday. “It definitely sucks to get hurt on a play…to get hurt, period. But when it doesn’t count for anything, it definitely stings a little bit more.”
Tae Davis left the Bucs game after suffering a concussion. He will miss Sunday’s game as he has not cleared concussion protocol.
Neither Ogletree or Davis practiced this week. The Giants were hoping at least one of them could play. Instead, they will turn to Ryan Connolly, David Mayo, and the recently re-signed Nate Stupar.
Naturally, the Giants will also be without running back Saquon Barkley (ankle). Wayne Gallman will start in his place.
The Giants did receive good news on the injury front.
Defensive lineman Olsen Pierre returned to practice Friday after nursing a knee injury. Wide receiver Cody Latimer also practiced after clearing concussion protocol. Latimer is expected to play against Washington. Wide receiver Bennie Fowler (hamstring) and linebacker Lorenzo Carter (elbow) are also expected to be on the field Sunday.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
