The Giants definitely will have one, and likely two, new starters on their offensive line Sunday against the Jets.
Spencer Pulley will replace injured center Jon Halapio (hamstring), and 2018 undrafted free agent Nick Gates also figures to make his first NFL start at right tackle for Mike Remmers, who has been listed as doubtful with a back injury.
“I’ve said all along I’ve felt like we have two starting centers on our roster. It’ll give Spencer an opportunity to get in there and play. He played really well for us last year when he was in there,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “And then Nick Gates has done a really good job. In the event that he’s playing, which he probably will be, I feel like he’ll do a good job.”
Offensive line coach Hal Hunter said Gates has worked at all five offensive line positions since the preseason. Gates also would be the emergency center if something happens to Pulley.
“I’ve been preparing like I usually do. Week in and week out you have to be ready to go, and I’ve been doing that the last nine weeks,” said Gates, who played in college at Nebraska.
Nick Gates and Spencer PulleyCorey Sipkin, Getty Images“What I like about Gates as a player is first of all, he’s a tough guy, he plays with athleticism and balance, conceptual player, he kind of does everything you ask him to do,” Hunter said. “So I like everything about him. I think he’s got the mental makeup and he’s got some physical tools, and what he needs the most, as any young player, he needs to play more. What he did in the preseason, and all the different positions he played, he played all five positions, so he shows a lot of promise and I’m glad we have him.”
As expected, tight end Evan Engram (sprained foot) and wide receiver Sterling Shepard (concussion) also officially have been ruled out.
Shepard, who will miss a fifth straight game after suffering two concussions in a four-week span, visited a concussion specialist earlier this week in Pittsburgh. He was not on the field with the team Friday after surprisingly running sprints with a trainer the previous day. He did, however, play pingpong in the locker room for several minutes with practice squad receiver David Sills.
Shurmur on the Giants not playing music during practice this week: “It just wasn’t working right. That’s all. We just decided not to do it.”
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