Gina: Theo Johnson is questionable. Isaiah Likely is on the roster. One of them starts this Sunday, and it might decide if we keep our NFC East lead against the Eagles.
Wes: It’s not just tight ends. We’ve got a running back committee fighting for snaps after Skattebo’s breakout, and a secondary that needs to hold up against Philadelphia's attack.
Gina: Welcome to Beatline, America’s number one daily sports podcast network! I’m Gina, and with me is Wes. Today, we are breaking down the New York Giants' roster battles heading into Week 9.
Wes: Right. The Giants sit at 4-2-1, first in the division. But don't let the record fool you—the depth chart is shaking. We’re looking at who makes the cut, who starts, and who gets left behind.
Gina: We’ve got three segments today. First, the big tight end battle between Theo Johnson and Isaiah Likely. Second, the running back situation with Cam Skattebo leading the pack but facing pressure. And third, roster cuts and predictions for the final week before the deadline.
Wes: And remember, J.J. McCarthy played efficient football against Houston last week—20 of 28, 252 yards. That offense runs through these specific personnel choices. Let’s get into it.
Gina: Let’s start with the most critical matchup right now: Tight Ends. Theo Johnson is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Isaiah Likely is healthy and ready. Who do you want in that slot?
Wes: If Johnson is healthy, he’s your starter. He’s bigger, stronger, and fits the physical style J.J. McCarthy has been using. But if he’s limited? Likely becomes very attractive.
Gina: Likely has experience. He’s a reliable chain-mover. But Johnson has the upside. Do you think the coaching staff leans toward the veteran safety or the rookie potential?
Wes: They’ll lean toward Johnson unless he can’t move his feet. Against the Eagles, you need size to match their linebackers. If Johnson is out, they might use Chris Manhertz or Thomas Fidone II as well. It’s a crowded group.
Gina: Isaiah Likely is also in the mix. He’s proven. But Johnson’s ceiling is higher. This is the battle that defines the passing game’s flexibility.
Wes: Exactly. And don’t forget Patrick Ricard. He’s a fullback, but he lines up in the backfield and changes leverage. He’s a specialist, but he impacts how defenses view the TE group.
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Wes: Thanks for listening. Now, let’s talk about the backfield. Cam Skattebo had 17 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on Injured Reserve. So who’s next?
Gina: Devin Singletary is there. He’s experienced. But Skattebo looks like the clear number one right now. Do you see Singletary getting significant work, or is Skattebo the guy?
Wes: Singletary is still valuable for short-yardage situations. But Skattebo’s power running style fits what we saw against the Texans. He breaks tackles. If he stays healthy, he’s the primary.
Gina: What about Greg Desrosiers Jr.? He’s on the roster. Is he competing for snaps, or is he just depth?
Wes: Desrosiers is depth. Unless Skattebo or Singletary get hurt, he’s not seeing many touches. The Giants have committed to this two-man backfield for now.
Gina: And what about the offensive line protecting them? Jon Runyan and Josh Sills are solid. Andrew Thomas is the anchor at tackle. Bryan Hudson and John Michael Schmitz Jr. handle the interior.
Wes: The line is stable. Aaron Stinnie and Jermaine Eluemunor provide quality backup. J.C. Davis and Marcus Mbow are also there. It’s not a weakness. They’re giving McCarthy time.
Gina: So the battle is really just RB1 and RB2. Skattebo vs. Singletary. And the injury status of both matters.
Wes: Correct. And if Skattebo is questionable, like he was last week, then Singletary takes over. It’s a simple hierarchy based on health and performance.
Gina: Let’s stick with us for the final segment where we predict roster cuts and who’s trending up.
Wes: Alright, roster cuts. Who’s on the bubble? Darnell Mooney and Jalin Hyatt are both wide receivers. Dalton Schultz was mentioned in news, but he’s a Texan. Here, it’s Mooney vs. Hyatt.
Gina: Mooney is faster. Hyatt has more recent success. Malik Nabers is the star. Danny Gray isn’t on the list, so it’s Mooney, Hyatt, Charlie Jones, Dalen Cambre, and Malachi Fields.
Wes: Jones is special teams. Cambre and Fields are developmental. Mooney and Hyatt are the main threats. I think Hyatt edges it because of his chemistry with McCarthy. Mooney might be the first cut if they need space.
Gina: That’s a bold take. Hyatt over Mooney. Why?
Wes: Hyatt makes plays in the red zone. Mooney stretches the field. With Nabers drawing coverage, Hyatt’s intermediate routes are more consistent. Mooney is volatile.
Gina: I agree. And on defense, Zaire Barnes and Abdul Carter are young edge rushers. Shelby Harris and Bobby Jamison-Travis are DTs. Jack Kelly and Trace Ford are LBs.
Wes: The defensive line is deep. Darius Alexander is emerging. He had 0.5 sacks last week. That’s huge. He’s trending up. Harris is a vet, but Alexander has the juice.
Gina: Alexander is definitely trending up. And what about the secondary? Deonte Banks, Greg Newsome II (questionable), Elijah Campbell, Jevon Holland, Colton Hood, Nic Jones.
Wes: Newsome is questionable. If he’s out, Holland steps up. Banks is the corner. Campbell and Hood are backups. It’s a bit thin at cornerback if Newsome can’t go.
Gina: So the final prediction: Theo Johnson starts, Cam Skattebo rushes for 100+, and Darius Alexander adds another sack. We’re sticking with our 24-20 prediction against the Eagles.
Wes: 24-20. The Giants hold the line. Thanks for tuning in to Beatline.
Gina: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. Share this episode with a fellow Giant fan. Go Big Blue!