Jameis Winston did not play a single snap in the first 10 games this season, but to surmise he made no impact around the Giants would be inaccurate.
Winston’s influence in his first year with his new team belied his status as the third-string quarterback.
His locker room presence could be seen with the way he spoke in small groups or during one-on-one sitdowns with his teammates.
Winston has a carefree, fun-loving reputation but his demand for accountability resonated with those around him.
“Serving,” Winston said. “Serving every single day as best as I can.”
The strong sense of service takes on a different meaning Sunday, when Winston takes the field in the regular season for the first time with the Giants.
Rookie Jaxson Dart is in the concussion protocol, and interim coach Mike Kafka in his first key decision opted to demote backup Russell Wilson and move Winston into the starting role.
Winston gets the call against the Packers at MetLife Stadium.
“In times like this it’s just action,” Winston said. “Who’s going to focus on being the solution? Who’s going to focus on doing all that they can do to be the solution for this team? And me, I’m just taking it one day at a time, one play at a time, and I’m encouraging everyone else, just do your best. That’s all the fans want. The fans just want us to come out there and do our very best. And when we come out and execute and do our very best, we’re a tough team to beat.”
With Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) missing his first game of the season, there will be increased snaps for rookie Abdul Carter, who has started only one game.
Carter is averaging nearly 48 snaps per game and has one-half sack and eight quarterback hits.
The Giants are waiting for a breakout performance from the No. 3 pick in the draft.
Is this a revenge game for G Jon Runyan Jr., who left the Packers after the 2024 season to sign a three-year, $30 million deal with the Giants?
“Yeah, you could say that,” Runyan said. “First time playing against them. Spent four fun years there. Still know a lot of the people on the team and the staff. It’s gonna be a fun Sunday for me. They wanted me back but I don’t think they were really willing to commit to me like the Giants. I’m happy the Giants did because I’m happy to be here.”
Here is another opportunity for Dexter Lawrence to do what he has rarely done this season: Dominate a backup center.
The Packers will be without Elgton Jenkins, out with an ankle injury, and will start Sean Rhyan, who started all 17 games in 2024 and four games this season at guard.
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