Giants looking for bounceback seasons from WRs Golladay, Toney

Kenny Golladay’s quiet preseason has raised questions about his role with the Giants. There’s now an answer for what’s contributed to his lackluster performance. 

The wide receiver has been recovering from an undisclosed surgery during the offseason, general manager Joe Schoen revealed to reporters on Thursday. Schoen also asserted he still has confidence in Golladay, who’s coming off an underwhelming first season in New York.

“He’s good,” Schoen said. “He’s come to work every day. Great kid, works hard, knows his assignments. I don’t think he’s missed a practice. He’s been available, other than the spring — he had a little procedure. But he’s been good.”

Golladay has dealt with numerous injuries over the last couple of seasons. In 2020 with the Lions, the 6-foot-4 wideout appeared in only five games due to a hip injury. Last season, he dealt with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss a month of training camp before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for three games. 

Following two injury-riddled seasons, the 28-year-old Golladay said Thursday that he feels “a lot better” entering his second year with the Giants. 

“First off, I just want to remain healthy,” Golladay said. “Very blessed that I was able to go through this whole training camp healthy, be able to actually be a part of each practice to get that chemistry down.”

Golladay didn’t participate in OTAs but was available for all of training camp and the preseason. However, he only had one reception on four targets in preseason action.

While injury concerns are one thing, Golladay’s lack of production on the field is a natural cause for concern. After signing a four-year, $72 million contract before last season, the former Pro Bowler recorded 37 receptions for 521 yards and, for the first time in his career, zero touchdowns. 

Golladay isn’t the only receiver the Giants are hoping has a bounceback season. Schoen said Kadarius Toney, who’s been limited by knee and hamstring injuries, is expected to play in New York’s season opener against the Titans. 

“I’m excited to see Kadarius,” Schoen said. “He didn’t play any preseason games, so I’m excited to see him get on the field in a game in a meaningful opportunity and know the playbook and make plays.

Like Golladay, Toney dealt with injury last year. The 2021 first-round pick missed seven games in his rookie season due to an oblique injury and was on the reserve/COVID-19 list for part of the year. 

Toney finished with 39 receptions for 420 yards and was also held without a score. That makes this year even bigger for him.

“I don’t really set goals,” Toney said, “but I expect to do better than last year, I would say.”