Giants’ special teams prowess gets ‘huge’ test from Steelers
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Giants’ special teams prowess gets ‘huge’ test from Steelers

The Giants have struggled at times this season converting field goals, covering kickoffs and generating returns.

But they haven’t had a kick blocked yet.

Here come the Steelers — who have blocked kicks in three straight games for the third-longest streak in the NFL since 2007 — to put the pressure on Monday.

Giants kicker Greg Joseph kicks a field goal during the second quarter of the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles game in East Rutherford, NJ Bill Kostroun/New York Post

“None. 1, they’re coached really well, Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said. “And their players play the game the right way. They are very fundamentally healthy. They play together. They play purposefully. A huge challenge for us this week.”

The Giants blocked a last-minute field goal to win against the Seahawks earlier this season, so they need no reminders of the devastating momentum swings such a play creates.

“It’s developed into a culture,” Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith said. “We’re on a roll right now. It also breeds success because of that confidence, so we’re headed in a good direction.”

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji (48) celebrates a blocked field goal against the New York Jets. AP

CBs Cor’Dale Flott (groin) and Tre Hawkins (ankle) and DT Dexter Lawrence (hip) were upgraded to limited participants in Friday’s practice.

OLB Brian Burns (groin/achilles) was demoted and did not practice after being limited Thursday.

RT Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), P Jamie Gillan (left hamstring), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck) and LB Ty Summers (ankle) also sat out.

WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) was a full participant for the first time during the week, which ends Saturday with another practice.


Even if QB Russell Wilson starts, the Giants will prepare to see Justin Fields as the running back.

Fields started the Steelers’ first six games and rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns.

Justin Fields (2) runs for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. AP

“I think you always have to be ready for it,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “It’s a simple, ‘Hey, let’s go in and do these few things that you’ve already been doing for five, six weeks.'”

Bowen and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith overlapped as Titans assistants earlier in their careers.