The Giants came into Sunday’s 30-20 come-from-behind victory over the Falcons as a remarkably healthy team, but they did not get out of the game unscathed, as their starting running back, Rashad Jennings, was forced out early in the third quarter with a sprained left knee.
Jennings will get an MRI exam Monday to determine the extent of the injury.
“Just kind of got twisted up under a pile,’’ Jennings said. “I think I’ll be fine.’’
That remains to be seen. Jennings seemed confident the issue was not related to his ACL, but given he is a running back and he has a problem with his knee, figure he misses time. Jennings ran well (10 carries, 55 yards) and his replacement, rookie Andre Williams, carried the load afterward with 20 rushing attempts, 65 yards and one touchdown.
“I think I’m as ready as I’m going to be,’’ Williams said of possibly moving into a starting role. “There’s no time to analyze whether I’m ready or not.’’
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had the primary responsibility of covering WR Julio Jones, who had eight catches in the first half and finished with 11 for 105 yards, nothing longer than 22 yards. Rodgers-Cromartie was on and off the field in the second half with what looked to be a lower leg issue…
Antrel Rolle’s missed tackle on a pass in the flat to RB Antone Smith proved costly, as the Giants were in an all-out blitz and Smith ran 74 yards for a TD.
“Instead of trying to make the tackle so they don’t get the first down I should’ve made the for-sure tackle,’’ Rolle said. “A mistake on my part.’’
TE Larry Donnell, a huge surprise with a team-high 25 receptions in the first month, was held without a catch. He was only targeted once and the pass was deflected.
“They were hitting me and knocking me around on my releases pretty good, they wouldn’t let me come off the ball,” he said.
Reminded the extra defensive attention was a sign of respect, he said, “Yeah, but it kind of sucks.’’
LB Jon Beason (foot/toe), despite practicing during the week, missed his third straight game…
LB Spencer Paysinger (hamstring) was forced out in the second quarter. … CB Chandler Fenner, signed off the practice squad on Saturday, was active and made his NFL debut.
Rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. kept the football after his first career touchdown catch. “It’s going home,’’ he said. “It’s going to my mom and my dad.” … The Giants were out-gained 397-317 but dominated in one key area: They converted 9-of-15 on third down and limited the Falcons to 2-of-13 on third down.
