New York Giants' Jalin Hyatt Saga Takes Yet Another Twist

Somehow, some way, Jalin Hyatt appears to have a legitimate chance of making the New York Giants' roster, this even though just about everyone had him left for dead heading into training camp.

Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III and rookie Malachi Fields all appear to be stone-cold locks at wide receiver. That likely leaves one spot remaining at the position, and most felt that Odell Beckham Jr. was the favorite to win it.

But Hyatt was actually ahead of Beckham on the Giants' first unofficial depth chart, and while that doesn't necessarily mean he will make the 53-man squad, it's still a surprising development for the former third-round pick.

However, Hyatt's chances may be taking a hit going into New York's first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.

Why? Because the University of Tennessee product is going to be sidelined due to an ankle injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday.

For a bubble player like Hyatt, every single rep counts, so the fact that he apparently won't be available for the Giants' first exhibition contest is not a good sign.

Or, perhaps Hyatt has already done enough to make the roster, and he doesn't even have much to worry about?

I do find it hard to believe that Hyatt has cemented his case for the No. 6 receiver slot just yet. Beckham, in my estimation, is likely still the favorite because of his history with John Harbaugh, but far stranger things have happened.

Hyatt entered the league with considerable hype in 2023, but over his first three NFL seasons, he has amassed a grand total of 36 catches for 470 yards without scoring a single touchdown.

Perhaps Brian Daboll simply didn't utilize him properly, or maybe Hyatt just isn't very good. It wouldn't be the first time that a Tennessee receiver didn't materialize on the professional level. Just ask Cedric Tillman and Dont'e Thornton about that.

Hyatt is still just 25 years old, though, and he added some weight to his frame during the offseason. Maybe Harbaugh sees something in the speedy wide out.

Regardless, Hyatt won't have the opportunity to build his case versus the Vikings this weekend, and that could absolutely dampen his roster hopes.