The Giants received an immediate contribution from fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger this season, but the rookie tight end will be sidelined indefinitely after he undergoes surgery Thursday to repair a fractured eye socket.
That leaves Chris Myarick — who also serves as a fullback — and Tanner Hudson as tight ends on the active roster, with former Jet Lawrence Cager and recently re-signed Andre Miller available to be promoted from the practice squad.
Hudson, who spent last season on the 49ers’ practice squad after two years with Tampa Bay, has three catches for 40 yards. Myarick has caught five passes in seven games, including two for 21 yards in last week’s win over the Jaguars.
Chris Myarick will be called up as the Giants’ TE depth is tested. Noah K. Murray-NY Post“Smart, tough, dependable guys that know what to do,” coach Brian Daboll said when asked about Myarick and Hudson before practice Wednesday. “We ask them to do quite a bit. I think they’ve continued to improve since they’ve been here. They’ve still got a ways to go. But I feel confident when they go in the game, they know what to do.”
Bellinger ranks fifth on the Giants with 16 receptions (18 targets) and 152 yards with a team-best two receiving touchdowns through seven games. He was poked in the eye by a Jacksonville defender in Sunday’s first half.
Thirteen months after gruesomely breaking his leg in Week 2 of last season, Nick Gates has made it back to the roster. The versatile offensive lineman was activated from the physically unable to perform list, and is expected to be available for Sunday’s game in Seattle.
“It’s impressive. Just a testament to the young man,” Daboll said. “We’ll put him out there. I think he’s improved every day since he’s been out there. He looks ready to go. We’ll see where that takes him. Just keep competing; whenever his number’s called, be ready.”
The 26-year-old Gates underwent seven surgeries after fracturing his left fibula and tibia on Sept. 16, 2021 in a game against Washington. The Giants (6-1) lost two starters on the offensive line — right tackle Evan Neal and guard Ben Bredeson — to knee injuries in Jacksonville.
Gates, who was undrafted out of Nebraska before signing with the Giants in 2018, started all 16 games at center in 2020. He’s made 21 starts in his career, 17 at center, two at right tackle and one each at left guard and right guard.
Receivers Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and Kenny Golladay (knee) remained out of practice. Offensive lineman Matt Peart (knee), linebacker Elerson Smith (lower leg) and cornerback Rodarius Williams (knee) all participated.
