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Deonte Banks’ benching is over.

The Giants will start their 2023 first-round draft pick at cornerback again Sunday against the Commanders, head coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday.

Banks, whose effort has been called out on two occasions this season, played the first 27 defensive snaps in Monday’s loss to the Steelers before he was pulled for the rest of the game.


  Giants corner Deonte Banks (3) misses a tackle on Steelers receiver George Pickens (14) in the second quarter on Oct. 28, 2024. Getty Images Giants corner Deonte Banks (3) misses a tackle on Steelers receiver George Pickens (14) in the second quarter on Oct. 28, 2024. Getty Images

“I know he certainly will give everything he has,” Daboll said.

There are no plays on film that show Banks easing up rather than chasing a tackle, as he did in Week 3 against the Cowboys’ Ceedee Lamb and in Week 7 against the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts.

He was hurdled by the Steelers’ Najee Harris when he tried to lower a shoulder, and he shoved George Pickens out of bounds before the receiver could get both feet down for a would-be touchdown.

“We made that decision and went in a different direction,” Daboll said. “I have full confidence in Tae that he will be ready to go this week, and we’ll do everything we can to help him be ready.”


  Giants head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline during a loss to the Steelers on Oct. 28, 2024. Getty Images Giants head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline during a loss to the Steelers on Oct. 28, 2024. Getty Images

Banks might have felt scapegoated that his effort has been singled out as “unacceptable,” especially considering that defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said last week that he is “looking for some progress and some growth in that regard from all our guys.” It is unclear if anything happened on the sideline.

Banks said after the game that his benching was for “missed tackles, I guess.”

He added, “I didn’t really think I was playing bad, but it’s not my choice.’’

The Giants entered the season confident that Banks was ready to ascend to shadowing some of the NFL’s best receivers in difficult matchups.

Even at full strength, cornerback is a weakness of the roster.

But Adoree’ Jackson, Tre Hawkins and Cor’Dale Flott are dealing with injuries, which forced rookie nickel cornerback Dru Phillips to the outside and practice squad call-up Greg Stroman into Banks’ spot.

“I’m focused on moving forward here with Tae,” Daboll said. “I think he’ll approach this week with the right mindset … and the right attitude.”


  Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) in the locker room after the New York Giants practiced Friday, October 25, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) in the locker room after the New York Giants practiced Friday, October 25, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., who ran for 145 yards against the Steelers, is in the NFL-regulated concussion protocol.

Daboll absolved QB Daniel Jones of any blame on the funky two-point conversion play that failed miserably.

He threw a quick screen to Malik Nabers with a convoy of five blockers spread wide, but Alex Highsmith blew up the play before it got started.


  Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

“Daniel did the right thing. He saw what he needed to see,” Daboll said. “We’ve practiced that play probably more than any play, and unfortunately it didn’t work.”

Daboll previously pointed out that Jones missed a signal to motion the tight end across the line of scrimmage for a double-team block on the play T.J. Watt caused a strip-sack takeaway.

Daboll bit his tongue twice when asked about penalties.

Asked about a penalty for an illegal shift on Nabers that negated a touchdown, Daboll said, “We have to do a better job and that starts with me.”

Asked about a no-call on the Steelers for what could’ve been running into the kicker to negate Calvin Austin Jr.’s 73-yard punt return touchdown, Daboll said, “I have a lot of conversations with officials. I’ll keep those private. But whatever they call is what they call. We’ve got to be ready to play in the next play.”

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