Amid an overflow of ticket requests, Jon Hilliman is trying his best to stay focused on Sunday.
The Giants undrafted rookie running back, after being elevated from the practice squad Thursday, is set to make his NFL debut against the Redskins at MetLife Stadium. The Plainfield, N.J., native knows about 60 of his family members and friends will be there to see the kid who grew up rooting for the Giants now playing in their uniform.
“It’s a childhood dream accomplished, but the work is just now getting started,” Hilliman said Friday.
Hilliman’s opportunity comes in the wake of Saquon Barkley suffering a high ankle sprain last Sunday against the Buccaneers. Wayne Gallman will become the starter in Barkley’s absence, but Hilliman and fullback Eli Penny should also help carry the load.
The Giants worked out a few veteran running backs this week, but decided to go with Hilliman after the former St. Peter’s Prep star, who played at Boston College and Rutgers, made an impression in camp and preseason games.
“I think that what he’s really shown is that he’s been very good, very decisive in the run game,” running backs coach Craig Johnson said. “But the key for all running backs — can you run the ball effectively? Two, can you protect the quarterback? Three, can you run good routes? And most importantly, can you protect the football? He’s been good in all four phases, so I need him, and that’s a challenge to him, to do that on Sunday.”
Inside linebackers Alec Ogletree (hamstring) and Tae Davis (concussion) were ruled out for Sunday, leaving rookie Ryan Connelly and David Mayo as the likely starters, with newly re-signed Nate Stupar as the only backup.
“We have enough [bodies],” linebackers coach Bill McGovern said. “The guys have been working at it. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a great challenge, but everyone is stepping up.”
Connelly, who had already replaced Davis as a starter in Week 2, stepped in for Ogletree when the captain got hurt against the Buccaneers and took over green dot duties — getting the play call into his helmet and relaying it to the rest of the defense.
“It’s a little bit of a tribute to him in the sense that he’s preparing the way he should prepare,” McGovern said. “He’s on top of his game. He studies it. He’s putting in the extra time. He just has to be a little bit more vocal now.”
WR Cody Latimer (concussion) was cleared by an independent doctor. … DL Olsen Pierre (knee) had a full practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. … The Redskins’ top offensive weapon, rookie WR Terry McLaurin, is questionable with a hamstring injury.
