Antoine Bethea is finishing up his 14th NFL season and first with the Giants once again accomplishing a remarkable feat. He will start his 16th game for the ninth time in his career and this year, as per usual, he was on the field for all-but a handful of snaps at safety.
“That’s not one of the things I worry about, I take care of my body and I know how to play the game,’’ Bethea, 35, said. “Me being durable is one of the things I’ve hung my hat on throughout my career.’’
Bethea said taking the field Sunday against the Eagles will prompt him to think “This could be it” and he knows it could be.
“I have to be a realist and say ‘It may be it,’ ’’ he said.
Bethea was up and down as far as providing deep coverage in the secondary. He is under contract in 2020 for $2.4 million but there is a strong chance he will not be back. The Giants have Jabrill Peppers and rookie Julian Love returning at safety and are coming off a rough season with Bethea in the lineup.
“There’s a lot that goes into bringing a guy back for year 15 that is 36,’’ Bethea said. “I just know what it is, having Pep here a good young safety, the way J-love has stepped in and played well.
“But I still feel I can go out there and do it. If it’s in my court I’ll be playing next year.”
Two quarterbacks starting games for a team can be problematic, but it is all good for an offensive line this time of year.
“That works out,’’ guard Will Hernandez said, smiling.
Eli Manning presented the linemen with Yeti coolers and Daniel Jones gave his protectors pricey luggage. On Thursday, two large boxes were dropped off in front of the lockers of all the offensive linemen and tight ends, courtesy of Saquon Barkley.
The Christmas gifts — Bose Soundbar 700 systems — came after Barkley ran for a career-high 189 yards against the Redskins.
Dangerously thin as far as healthy tight ends, Garrett Dickerson was signed off the practice squad to take the roster spot of Scott Simonson, who went on injured reserve. This gives the Giants two tight ends available for Sunday’s game: Dickerson and rookie Kaden Smith. Dickerson played in three games earlier this season and four as a rookie in 2018.
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