EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants had no players listed as out, doubtful or questionable on their final injury report, all but assuring that cornerback Adoree’ Jackson will make his long-awaited return Sunday in Minnesota in the NFC Wild Card Game.
Jackson, the team’s best and most experienced cornerback, has been sidelined since injuring his knee against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 20. He was listed as a full practice participant today for the first since then.
“I’ve been antsy since the Detroit game – since I went out and wanted to go back in, but knew I couldn’t,” Jackson said Wednesday. “The antsy-ness, I don’t think it ever goes away. Even if somebody retired from playing ball, whatever it may be, they’re always going to have the urge to go out there. I feel like I’m always going to be antsy, but being smart with it, not wanting to not just hurt myself, but hurt my team in any situation.”
Jackson was asked then if he had to pass tests before getting clearance to play.
“Yeah, tests for the coaches,” he said. “They always say they don’t want to put you out there if you can hurt yourself or hurt the team. So, we just keep going week by week to see how I look and how they feel about me being out there.”
Before practice and the release of the injury report, defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson was asked what Jackson would bring to the defense.
“If he does play, his energy, his confidence, his ability to go out there and be on the grass for us is big,” Henderson said. “The guys who’ve played in his absence have played really well, too. So, if we get him back, I’m super excited. But if he’s not back, we’re going to line up and play and give them our best shot.”
A six-year veteran with six postseason starts in his career, Jackson will rejoin a Giants secondary that also includes safety Xavier McKinney, another top player who missed the 27-24 loss to the Vikings three weeks ago. They are vital additions to a group that will be challenged by wide receivers Justin Jefferson, the NFL leader in catches and receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) and a unanimous first-team All-Pro; Adam Thielen; and K.J. Osborn, plus tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Jefferson and Hockenson combined for 25 receptions and three touchdowns in the first meeting.
“(Jefferson is) a good player, a great player,” Jackson said. “I think for us, we just try to control what we can control. It’s about your alignment, your technique, doing your job. And you know the other guys will do a good job…
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