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McKinney returned to the Giants’ starting lineup after missing seven games due to a broken hand on Sunday, just in time to help the team clinch a playoff spot with a 38-10 rout of the Colts at MetLife Stadium. Head coach Brian Daboll had predicted that McKinney wouldn’t play before the final practice of the week.
McKinney said, “There was no way I was going to miss this game.” The staff likely was aware of it. Trainers and doctors were aware of it. I kept wondering, “What’s the plan here? ” every day. What can I do so that I can play?
After Friday’s practice, McKinney sought more medical clearance from Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery, but didn’t stop there.
I informed them that I did not want a snap count. McKinney said, “If I’m going to play, I’m going to play. I was just being open and honest with them about how I felt out there, and I felt fantastic, because they trusted me and gave me the keys.
Following the game, McKinney had an X-ray, which he said “was a checkup we previously booked” and that “everything is okay.”
The ATV he was riding on a sightseeing trip in Mexico crashed, breaking his hand above the middle three fingers, and forcing the third-year safety and defensive co-captain to miss the start of the season. Being excluded from the Giants’ turnaround season caused “a time when it was incredibly painful,” but he persevered to see the greater picture and “moments like today,” McKinney said in the midst of a boisterous locker room.
I’ve never been angry with myself, McKinney said. “It was virtually a why? inquiry. Why did this have to occur at this time? It was one of those bizarre situations that might have occurred to me while driving a vehicle or to anybody.
With seven tackles, McKinney came in second on the team on Sunday. He allowed a 49-yard completion early in the first half when he failed to utilize his hand to go over the top on a jump ball while wearing a wrapped splint, but later in the game, he intercepted a pass near the goal line. Without the splint, it was difficult to know whether the second would have been an interception.
Readjusting to the speed was difficult, according to McKinney. “I only participated in one session with the starting defense, and even then, we faced the scout squad. I was only removing the rust. But it will appear.
After pregame warm-ups, McKinney also returned to his customary duties of breaking down the huddle. Daboll felt confident doing away with the snap restriction and delegating decision-making to McKinney and defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson because he could see McKinney appeared “ready to go.”
According to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, “He just adds a lot of enthusiasm.” “You like hearing what he has to say because it resonates with you. On one occasion, I had to encourage him and tell him, “That’s a nice a- tackle,” It’s good to have him back.
»Giants profit from Xavier McKinney’s return. “Keys”«