Wan’Dale Robinson figures to play a signficant role in the Giants’ passing game in 2023, but doubts remain with respect to his availability come September. The former second-round wideout continues to rehab the ACL tear which ended his rookie campaign.
That injury occurred in November, limiting the 22-year-old to just six games played. Over that span, he logged three starts and a 55% snap share, though, demonstrating his value to New York’s offense right away. Robinson totaled 227 yards and one touchdown on 23 catches before suffering the ACL tear, something which threatens his ability to recover in time for the 2023 season opener.
As Dan Duggan of The Athletic notes, it remains to be seen if Robinson will be able to take the field by Week 1 (subscription required). A cautious approach to his recovery would be understandable on the Giants’ part, but a decision will need to be made with respect to the possibility of placing the Kentucky alum on the PUP list or injured reserve. Doing so would guarantee missed time to begin the season.
New York has Robinson, along with Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Sterling Shepard in place as returnees at the receiver position. The additions of Parris Campbell in free agency and Jalin Hyatt in the draft, not to mention Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller via trade, are set to give the Giants added options in the passing game regardless of Robinson’s health status at the start of the campaign. The latter should still play a notable role upon his return, though.
Robinson played his way into first-team consideration during training camp last year in part due to his strong performances in practice and the team’s lack of proven wideouts elsewhere on the depth chart. The summer will be much different this time around for team and player, and plenty of attention will be paid to Robinson’s recovery in the coming weeks.
And to think the Giants let Richie James leave for Kansas City as a free agent!
And thank god they did let James go! It was a 50/50 chance James either dropped the ball or fumble the ball. The WR room will be ok. Let him recover and activate him after game 6 or so.
Granted James certainly isn’t a top tier WR, but he led a rather lackluster group last year and James caught 57 balls and was targeted 70 times….if thats what you call 50/50 glad you’re not the Giants GM……
If the Giants WR corp becomes injury prone again this season, they’ll be asking Victor Cruz to come out of retirement.