Peppers out; Love questionable

The Giants have placed rookie LB Tae Crowder on IR with the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's win over Washington. That will keep the rookie out for at least 3 games. He's not worth holding in IDP leagues. The team filled Crowder's spot on the roster by signing Jabaal Sheard off Jacksonville's practice squad. Sheard will line up at OLB for the Giants but might carry DL eligibility in many IDP leagues. That makes him worth watching. The Giants recently lost starting OLB Lorenzo Carter for the season to an Achilles' tendon tear. Kyler Fackrell has become a full-time player at the position in recent weeks, but Markus Golden has struggled to stay in the lineup. Sheard's addition might also mean that Oshane Ximines will need more time to recover from the shoulder injury that landed him on IR 2 weeks ago.

Giants LB Alec Ogletree (back) is active for today's game against the Eagles. He's a lower-level IDP option. CB Sam Beal (shoulder) is inactive, leaving an already terrible secondary without a starter. Slot CB Corey Ballentine (back) is active after arriving questionable.

The Giants have ruled ILBs Alec Ogletree (hamstring) and Tae Davis (concussion) out for Sunday's game against the Vikings. That leaves David Mayo as the top guy inside. We've moved Mayo up the LB rankings. But the situation at LB also helps the tackle outlook for Giants safeties Jabrill Peppers and Antoine Bethea.

The Giants have traded DT Damon Harrison to the Lions a day after trading CB Eli Apple to the Saints. Harrison should improve the Detroit run defense and could see a tackle increase back with a defense that works from a 4-3 base. We’ll see how quickly he can claim a starting role. Apple should soon make his way into New Orleans’ top 3 at CB but doesn’t alter the outlook for the team D.

The Giants have ruled OLB Olivier Vernon (ankle) and CB Eli Apple (groin) out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. Vernon has yet to play this season. Apple will miss his 2nd straight contest. The absences can only add upside to a Saints pass offense that didin’t need the help.