REPORT DATE: July 26th
SITE: University at Albany, Albany, NY
CAMP OBJECTIVES: Though the Giants enter the preseason as world champions for the second time in five years, the roster is far from set as they begin defense of their title. Key contributors to last year's Super Bowl run such as running back Brandon Jacobs, wide receiver Mario Manningham, offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie, tight end Jake Ballard and cornerback Aaron Ross are no longer around, and there are a few medical concerns as well with corner Terrell Thomas, wide receiver Domenik Hixon and left tackle Will Beatty all coming back from season-ending injuries and No. 1 receiver Hakeem Nicks sidelined for the start of camp with a broken foot. If Beatty proves to have his back problems behind him, that will allow Big Blue to move veteran David Diehl into McKenzie's old post on the right side, but those plans would be scrapped if that isn't the case. The Giants did secure potential replacements for Jacobs and Manningham by selecting running back David Wilson and wideout Rueben Randle in the first two rounds of this past draft, with the latter ready to contend with Hixon for the No. 3 receiver position. The situation at middle linebacker is a bit tenuous as well. Special-teams ace Chase Blackburn emerged as the starter following spring practices, but he'll have competition from former Cincinnati first-round pick Keith Rivers and inspirational second- year man Mark Herzlich.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 10 - at Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 - at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - vs. Chicago, 8 p.m. Aug. 29 - vs. New England, 7:30 p.m.
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