Dexter Lawrence takes step toward return

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday and then had off on Thursday ahead of a Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.

On Wednesday, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and right tackle Evan Neal were not participating due to their respective injuries.

Head coach Brian Daboll did express hope that Lawrence could return to practice on Friday, but shared far less optimism as it related to Neal.

“Yeah, I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful he’ll be out here on Friday. That’s what I’m hoping,” Daboll said told reporters.

True to his word, Lawrence took a projected step forward on Thursday and was listed as a projected participant in practice. Neal, on the other hand, remained out.

If Neal misses Monday night’s game, it will be his fourth in a row and sixth in seven games.

Meanwhile, Daboll indicated that tight end Darren Waller would remain on injured reserve (IR) for one more week and hinted that cornerback Aaron Robinson may not play at all this season.

“Not sure,” Daboll said when asked if Robinson would come off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

The Giants’ full (projected) Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Evan Neal (ankle)

Limited participant: NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), DL A’Shawn Robinson (hamstring), LB Isaiah Simmons (ankle)

Full participant: QB Tyrod Taylor (ribs), LB Carter Coughlin (hip)