Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants defenders D. Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and Darian Thompson (27) break up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants will be short-handed in the secondary against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday (8:30 p.m., ET) as safeties Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson have been ruled out for the contest.
In addition to the absences of Berhe (concussion) and Thompson (foot), rookie Eli Apple is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury and fellow cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is questionable with a groin injury.
New York (2-1) reportedly is working out four safeties to address the potential losses in facing trade acquisition Sam Bradford and Stefon Diggs, who have Minnesota out to a 3-0 start.
Bradford has completed 40-of-59 passes for 457 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in two games with the Vikings. The former top overall pick was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles on the heels of Teddy Bridgewater’s season-ending injury in the preseason.
Diggs is off to a fast start with 20 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown. The 22-year-old is expected to play on Monday despite being limited in Friday’s practice with a groin injury.
New York running back Rashad Jennings is listed as questionable to return following a one-game absence due to a thumb injury. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan told reporters the team is taking a “wait and see” approach to Jennings while Orleans Darkwa will have an increased workload should he sit out again.
The Vikings, conversely, are relatively healthy and do not have a player listed on their injury report aside from defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and backup tight end David Morgan.
Floyd had arthroscopic surgery last week and is expected to miss a couple games after being limited to just a few snaps in the season opener.
Morgan is nursing a knee injury and did not participate in practice this week.
