WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
Undrafted rookie Ben Sauls made his NFL debut while becoming the fourth different kicker used by the Giants this season. The University of Pittsburgh product was elevated from the practice squad after the Giants waived Younghoe Koo on Tuesday. Koo missed both of his field goal attempts last Sunday.
Sauls also handled kickoffs on Sunday and started the game by sailing one of bounds down the right side. The Vikings started at their own 40-yard line, which led to a field goal and the first points of the game.
Sauls went on to make both of his field goal attempts from 27 and 39 yards. The latter tied the game 13-13 with 11:06 remaining.
Lefty punter and holder Jamie Gillan returned after missing Week 15 with a left knee injury. Cameron Johnston punted in his place last Sunday as the unit allowed a return touchdown for the second consecutive game.
NYG: LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring), CB Cor’Dale Flott (knee), C John Michael Schmitz (hand)
MIN: RB Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle), RB Jordan Mason (ankle), C Ryan Kelly (concussion), QB J.J. McCarthy (right hand)
NYG: OLB Caleb Murphy, WR Ryan Miller, WR Jalin Hyatt, ILB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness), G Jon Runyan, DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (ankle), QB Russell Wilson (3rd QB)
MIN: ILB Austin Keys (ankle), DT Javon Hargrave (thigh), T Walter Rouse, QB John Wolford (3rd QB)
NYG: K Ben Sauls (standard elevation), DL Elijah Chatman (standard elevation), CB Art Green (activated from Reserve/Injured), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Reserve/Injured)
MIN: LB Sione Takitaki (standard elevation), CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. (signed from practice squad), T Christian Darrisaw (Reserve/Injured)
