Unfortunately for Brian Daboll, the Giants’ offense could take a significant hit, as there’s a strong chance that Darius Slayton will miss this crucial matchup at MetLife Stadium.

The news was reported by NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, who announced the potential absence through his official X account (formerly Twitter), marking a significant blow for New York.

“Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) is not expected to play Thursday vs. Eagles, per sources,” he reported via @JFowlerESPN. “Hamstring on a short week is tough. Will be out barring surprising uptick.”

How much do the Giants lose without Slayton?

The New York Giants’ struggling offense has taken another severe blow with the news that wide receiver Darius Slayton is not expected to play in the upcoming Week 6 game against the Eagles. Slayton had already been elevated to the WR1 role following the season-ending injury to Malik Nabers.

Through the first five games of the 2025 season, Slayton was the team’s third-leading receiver, hauling in 12 receptions for 166 yards with a solid 13.8 yards per reception, despite not having a touchdown.

His absence, particularly on a short week, leaves the Giants without their top two receivers. With the team sitting at a 1-4 record, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will be forced to rely on Wan’Dale Robinson (23 rec, 267 yds) and tight ends as the remaining receiving options face a daunting task against their divisional rivals.

Key losses in the Giants’ WR room

In a crushing blow to the New York Giants offense, star wide receiver Malik Nabers has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after an MRI confirmed a torn ACL in his right knee. The second-year Pro Bowler suffered the non-contact injury against the Chargers and has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Nabers was quickly emerging as the premier target for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, and his absence leaves a massive void in the team’s passing attack as the Giants must scramble to adjust their game plan and rely on a depleted receiving corps for the rest of the year.

Russell Wilson has become a journeyman in the NFL. After more than a decade in Seattle, he then passed to Denver, Pittsburgh, and now, it’s tasked to be the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. According to reports, he is developing great chemistry with one of the team’s receivers, but not the one you would expect.

Jordan Raanan, from ESPN, reported that Wilson has formed a “really quality connection” with veteran receiver Darius Slayton. While the actual first option will be Malik Nabers, the second-year wideout is out of action right now dealing with a toe injury. Hence, Wilson has had lots of time to practice with Slayton.

Jalin Hyatt is the other name to watch on that WR corp, but he is also battling a minor leg injury. It seems like Slayton has taken advantage of this time to form a strong bond with his new quarterback.

Slayton has always been reliable

Slayton is entering his 7th year in the NFL and he has played solely with the Giants. He has always been a good weapon to have, especially as a secondary target that can exploit medium-to-long routes.

Russell Wilson will be, by far, the most accurate passer Slayton’s ever played with. The Giants need some spark from these two if they want to take a step in the right direction. The franchise is in a tough spot and haven’t had any kind of success in recent years.

The Giants schedule is off to a tough start

While the G-men want to start off well, the schedule might say otherwise. They not only face a tough division like the NFC East, but also face the AFC West which has three playoff contenders. These are the first 5 weeks for the Giants in the 2025 season.

• Week 1: at Washington
• Week 2: at Dallas
• Week 3: vs. Chiefs
• Week 4: vs. Chargers
• Week 5: at New Orleans

It is looking like a 1-4 start for the Giants. It’s in their hands to silence some doubters along the way.

But sometimes, it goes beyond your efforts. Some players just aren’t a good fit for a given scheme, or their teams have a bit of a logjam at their position. Other times, they just need to make room for another guy, or the team doesn’t intend to compete right now.

With that in mind, we expect multiple players to be traded early in the season. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the top 3 candidates to find a new home before Week 4 or so.

NFL Rumors: 3 Early-Season Trade Candidates

3. Nelson Agholor

Nelson Agholor reportedly made some big strides in training camp, but he was one of the most underwhelming players last season. Now, the New England Patriots also have DeVante Parker, so there’s not much incentive to keep him.

Agholor makes too much money, and it doesn’t reflect in his game. Bill Belichick may refuse to include draft compensation for any team willing to absorb his contract, but the Patriots may have to swallow that pill sooner rather than later.

2. Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt is one of the best backup running backs in the league, if not the best. The Cleveland Browns are just too stacked at that position, and he’s not going to beat Nick Chubb for the bell-cow RB job.

Hunt wants to be traded if he doesn’t get an extension, but the Browns declined his request a couple of weeks ago. Nonetheless, it’s just a matter of time before an RB-needy team makes an offer they can’t refuse.

1. Darius Slayton

Darius Slayton has posted three straight700+ yards seasons despite having Daniel Jones as his QB, so one can only imagine what he could do in a competent offense. Bringing Brian Daboll will help his case, but it may be too late already.

Slayton has fallen behind in the depth chart. Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson both have a higher ceiling, so the New York Giants could be tempted to fetch calls for Slayton. He’d be a low-risk pickup for teams needing depth.