Giants’ Brian Daboll, facing unwanted history, tries to stay focused

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll met with the media on Friday to update the status of his 2-13 team ahead of Sunday’s home finale against the Indianapolis Colts (7-8).

The first order of business is always the injury list, who’s in and who’s out, who will practice and who won’t.

Offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerback Greg Stroman (shin/shoulder), and safety Raheem Layne (torn meniscus) did not participate in practice on Friday and have been ruled out on Sunday.

The good news is that rookie offensive stars, wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), did practice on Friday and the team is “hopeful” they both suit up against the Colts.

With Schmitz out, the Giants are shifting Greg Van Roten into the center role. Ty Summers, who filled in for McFadden last week, will likely start alongside Darius Muasau at inside linebacker.

The Giants’ offensive line, per veteran beat reporter Art Stapleton, will likely be: Jermaine Eluemunor at left tackle, Evan Neal at right tackle with Van Roten in the middle flanked by guards Aaron Stinnie and Jake Kubas.

The home finale is likely to be sparsely attended as the Giants avoid becoming the first NFL team to go 0-9 at home in a single season.

Daboll will likely be dealing with more booing and would have been dealing with more protest banners being flown if not for bad weather, but he’s concentrating on the job at hand.

“Just trying to get a win here. That’s what we’re thinking about,” he said.

He stayed classy, saying he appreciates the fans’ support and is only looking to give them a victory this week.

“We certainly appreciate the support. You want to give them a better product in terms of the results that we’re putting out there right now, but certainly appreciate them,” he said.

The Colts, depending on the results of the games involving the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, could still be playing to keep their dim playoff hopes alive.