James Bradberry is a Pro Bowler for the first time in his five-year NFL career, so naturally, the Giants missed him on the field in Sunday night’s 20-6 loss to the Browns.
Bradberry was unavailable because he was deemed to be a high-risk close contact of someone (his chiropractor) who tested positive for COVID-19.
“I can’t really say I blame myself,” Bradberry said. “It was just a predicament because of COVID. It was an uncontrollable accident that happened.”
Here is what went down, according to Bradberry: In his first year with the Giants after four seasons with the Panthers, he sought and found a new chiropractor during training camp.
“Football is a physical sport, it takes a toll on your body, so of course when you come to a new city you want to get a routine started with people that can help you with your recovery,” Bradberry said.
Through conversations, Bradberry learned the chiropractor worked with Jets players.
“Of course he got popped with a positive COVID test later on in the season,” Bradberry said. “I became aware he was with the Jets, so I knew he was getting tested every day, so I didn’t really see it as a problem.”
It was a problem, and Bradberry missed his first game of the season.
“It was definitely weird watching the game from my couch,’’ he said. “I was just really disappointed I wasn’t able to go out there.’’
Bradberry said getting voted into his first Pro Bowl was “surreal.’’ He said he was disappointed he did not make it after the 2019 season and believes he is playing at the same level this season.
“I think I’m just getting more recognition,’’ he said.
Outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell was designated to return to practice. If he gets through the week of practice, he will play versus the Ravens on Sunday.
The Giants can use all the pass-rush help they can get, as Fackrell’s position has been ravaged, with season-ending injuries to Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines and the trade of Markus Golden to the Cardinals. Fackrell missed the past three games on injured reserve with a calf issue. When he went on IR, Fackrell’s three sacks were second on the team to Leonard Williams. Fackrell is now third on the team in sacks, behind Williams and Dexter Lawrence (four sacks).
The Giants defense so depleted at the edge spots that David Mayo, an inside linebacker, played 25 of the 64 snaps on the outside in the loss to the Browns.
Five Giants players were limited participants in Wednesday’s practice: QB Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle), TE Evan Engram (calf), CB Darnay Holmes (knee), OT Matt Peart (ankle) and WR Golden Tate (calf). … Nine Ravens players did not practice, including starting cornerbacks Marcus Peters (calf) and Jimmy Smith (ribs/shoulder) and WR Dez Bryant (thigh).
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