The Giants have an extra day this week to rest and prepare before they play next Monday night against the Vikings in Minneapolis. That additional time likely will not be enough to cure the physical issues in their defensive backfield.
Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played only 32 of the 71 defensive snaps against the Redskins before leaving with a strained groin and, judging from the way he was moving around after the game, he will be out a few weeks.
Do not figure to see rookies Eli Apple and Darian Thompson on the field to face the Vikings either. Apple has a strained hamstring, and those do not heal in a matter of days. Thompson is dealing with a left foot issue, and the feeling is he will not be ready to return this week.
A source with knowledge of Thompson’s injury told The Post there is not much concern about a long-term absence for Thompson, and a visit to see specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday was more about due diligence than worry about extensive damage. That visit assured Thompson there is no significant injury, and he should be back in a matter of weeks. The Giants confirmed Thompson does not need surgery.
“It’s early in the week … we’re going to give them a chance to get healthy,’’ coach Ben McAdoo said of Apple and Rodgers-Cromartie. “We aren’t going to rule anyone out right now. Either of those two guys, we’ll give them a chance to get out there and get healthy.’’
Without three of their top defensive backs, the Giants are going to have to rely even more heavily on veteran Leon Hall, who has been an important and versatile addition but could be over-extended if his snaps increase dramatically.
After two games, the Giants had an NFL-low seven penalties called against them. They had 11 penalties for 128 yards in the 29-27 loss to the Redskins.
“Five of the penalties were of the 15-yard variety, which there is no excuse for,’’ McAdoo said.
The Giants also had three turnovers.
“When we’re not disciplined and poised, that’s a reflection on me,’’ McAdoo said. “I need to make sure that doesn’t happen.’’
In his second career NFL start, Bobby Hart played all 67 offensive snaps at right tackle and held his own against a rugged player, Ryan Kerrigan.
“He battled and competed,’’ McAdoo said. “It definitely wasn’t too big for him. He has a couple things he needs to clean up. That sack, maybe a hit there.’’
McAdoo on center Weston Richburg’s ejection after two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties: “It’s disappointing to see Weston get thrown out of the game. We knew what type of game it was going to be. He needs to be better than that.’’
Eli Manning came down fairly hard on Richburg.
“Both his penalties were ticky-tack,’’ Manning said Monday on WFAN. “The first one kinda for disagreeing with the ref on a call, he gets a personal foul. Hey, we don’t need that. Once you know you got one, you just got to be on your toes, you can’t afford to get another one. Makes a nice hit on Odell [Beckham’s] big run and just kind of does a little taunting and that’s not gonna fly. He’s got to be smarter than that.’’
Offensive lineman Will Beatty finally made his 2016 debut, but if you blinked, you missed it. He played one snap, on special teams, in his first game activated since re-signing.
In need of help in the secondary, the Giants are expected to re-sign CB Michael Hunter, who was promoted from the practice squad last week and waived last Saturday.