Eli Apple Injury: Updates on Giants CB's Hamstring and Return
Julie Jacobson/Associated Press
New York Giants first-round selection Eli Apple suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3's clash with the Washington Redskins. It's unclear when he'll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Sunday, Sept. 25
The Giants announced Apple would not return to Sunday's game after injuring his hamstring.
Apple, 21, was the No. 10 overall pick by the Giants in this year's NFL draft and was another new addition for the team at the position, after Janoris Jenkins was signed in free agency. Apple was pegged as the team's top option in the slot, at least early in his career.
"It will be a little different," Apple said in June of moving to the inside, per Dan Salomone of Giants.com. "It's a lot different from playing on the outside because the outside is a little bit more simple. Inside, you have to communicate a little bit more and just know a little bit of what everybody else is doing. It is going to be a little bit of transition, but I'm looking forward to it."
The Giants are solid at cornerback in the starting lineup, with Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie manning the outside. The team's depth behind them is a bit more questionable, however, with Trevin Wade and Apple expected to fill out the nickel and dime positions.
With Apple injured, Donte Deayon will likely earn a bigger role, though it's clear the Giants still don't have a great slot corner. Apple's injury may be the impetus the team needs to look for veteran depth in free agency—at least while the promising but raw rookie is sidelined.
Apple's injury will derail his growth as a slot corner, and it leaves the Giants vulnerable at the position. The young rookie has plenty of room to grow, so any time missed on the field is a major concern for New York.
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