The New York Giants were dealt a last-minute shakeup heading into Sunday’s clash with the Denver Broncos. Hours before kickoff, the team announced that offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo would not make the trip. Since his family is expecting their third child imminently. Understandably, Denver is a long way to go from home in that situation. In his place, assistant offensive line coach James Ferentz will take over duties on the sideline for the game.

Bricillo, who is in his second season with the Giants and has seven years of NFL coaching experience, will miss the Broncos matchup. This leaves Ferentz to step up in a crucial role. The decision comes alongside a series of player absences that have further impacted the Giants’ preparations.

Wide receiver Darius Slayton, listed as doubtful on Friday, was officially ruled out and will not travel to Denver. Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (neck) was also ruled out on Saturday. Earlier, the team confirmed that linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring), linebacker Swayze Bozeman (ankle), and center John Michael Schmitz (concussion) would remain at home.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll, facing these sudden adjustments, is burdened now with making roster decisions and adjusting game plans accordingly.

Slayton has made 12 receptions for 166 yards over five games this season. In his place, Lil’Jordan Humphrey is expected to be elevated from the practice squad. He could play a key role in the Jaxson Dart-led offense, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Humphrey had four catches for 55 yards in Big Blue’s Week 6 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Recently signed wideout Juice Wells, Dart’s former college teammate at Ole Miss, is unlikely to be promoted from the practice squad, Raanan added. Without Slayton—and with Malik Nabers still sidelined—Dart and the Giants will continue to rely heavily on Wan’Dale Robinson. Who leads the team with 29 receptions for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Cam Skattebo has also been a steady option out of the backfield. Rookie tight end Theo Johnson has emerged as one of Dart’s favorite red-zone targets, hauling in three touchdowns in the past three games.

In New York’s two wins, Dart has completed 30 of 55 passes for 306 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Skattebo has logged 82 carries for 338 yards and five touchdowns, while Carter has racked up eight quarterback hits in six games. Clear signs of a young core finding its stride.

Still, Sunday won’t be easy. Denver started the season 1–3 but has since rebounded with three straight wins over the Bengals, Eagles, and Jets. While none of those opponents have been top-tier this year, the Broncos have found momentum, setting the stage for a tightly contested matchup. Both teams remain in tight division races, making Sunday’s result crucial.

Brian Daboll facing chaos after trader rumors swirling around

Off the field, there’s also growing chatter about the Giants’ wide receiver situation. Despite the loss of Malik Nabers, NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on X that the Giants “aren’t aggressively working the phones” to add another receiver right now. Yet other reporters have shared a different picture. Several have indicated that New York has reached out to multiple teams with significant interest in trading for a wideout.

Among the names linked to Big Blue are the Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle and the Saints’ Chris Olave. Even the Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers. According to Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado, the Giants have already contacted Miami about Waddle. The Dolphins’ front office is “willing to engage” in trade talks.

Whether that happens remains uncertain. As the November 4 trade deadline approaches, misinformation tends to swirl, with teams trying to mask their real intentions. Still, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the Giants are “big-game hunting” for a receiver. Suggesting there’s at least interest in making a splash.

Adding an impact wideout would certainly help Dart, who’s been trying to establish chemistry with a thin receiving corps. But owner John Mara may be cautious about letting general manager Joe Schoen part with future assets when his own long-term future remains unclear.

For now, the Giants’ focus remains on Sunday. Brian Daboll faces the difficult task of keeping the team steady amid mounting absences and trade rumors swirling around the franchise.