Observations from Monday’s Giants practice:
‘D’ Slot Machine
In a shortened one-hour, getaway-day practice without any 11-on-11 drills, the highlight was 7-on-7s.
Daniel Jones completed 4 of 5 throws in his first period, but the incompletion was the most noteworthy rep because Adoree’ Jackson had tight coverage in the slot — a new defensive wrinkle — on tight end Darren Waller.
Jackson forced a checkdown pass to Saquon Barkley that was broken up by linebacker Bobby Okereke playing through Barkley’s back.
No Gray areas
Running back Eric Gray could get the first shot as a punt and kick returner Friday against the Lions.
Those live reps cannot be simulated in practice.
“We’ll give him ample opportunity in the preseason to return these balls,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “You’d like it to be as windy as possible.
“Obviously, it won’t be this week [indoors], but you try to put him in as many different situations as you can. That’s a lonely spot back there.”
Caught my eye
Not so fast on calling the position battle at center in favor of John Michael Schmitz.
Ben Bredeson — who is the Giants’ most versatile and maybe best interior offensive lineman — was the first-team center for the second straight practice.
Josh Ezeudu was the left guard and Mark Glowinski was the right guard.
Injury report
OG Marcus McKethan (torn ACL) and DT A’Shawn Robinson (torn meniscus) were activated off the physically unable to perform list to practice for the first time since undergoing their separate knee surgeries last season.
RT Evan Neal remains in the concussion protocol. DTs Rakeem Roches-Nunez (groin) and Ryder Anderson (triceps) did not practice. OLB Azeez Ojulari returned from his two practices off.