The New York Giants preseason kicks off on Saturday, August 15th. They’ll face off with the Minnesota Vikings at home in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Preseason can be seen as inconsequential, but it’s a perfect chance to watch the players behind the starters. The Giants’ offseason has been a changing of the tide, so who should we watch closely on Saturday?
Arvell Reese was selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ohio State standout was projected to go earlier, but somehow fell to the Giants. There were initial questions about his role on this defense, and we’ll get our first look on Saturday.
New York’s new head coach, John Harbaugh, clarified Reese’s role as a “will” linebacker. In 2025, he logged 34 solo tackles, 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss (TFLs), and 6.5 sacks.
Reese is expected to improve New York’s run defense in 2026. In 2025, the unit ranked 31st in the NFL in rush yards allowed per game (145.3) and 26th in points allowed per game (25.8).
Where Reese fits into the Giants’ defense will be intriguing on Saturday. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has a knack for utilizing linebackers. This will be a great first look at the Ohio State product’s future in New York.
We have another rookie on the list with the 74th overall pick, Malachi Fields. The Notre Dame wide receiver averaged 17.5 yards per reception in 2025, and the Giants traded up to draft him.
Fields’ strongest attribute is his contested catch ability. At 6’4” and 218 pounds, he brings size and strength to New York’s receiving corps. Despite being viewed as a deep-ball target, he’s shown more than that in training camp.
The Giants are reportedly “highly impressed” with Fields in training camp. He’s had great catches over New York’s cornerbacks, and he’s getting plenty of first-team reps.
Fields may not log many catches in the Giants’ preseason opener. This is the time for coaches to try out different things and see what works. If he does get targeted on Saturday, though, he’ll make the most of it.
It may be tough to evaluate a kicker in one preseason game. Rookie UDFA Dominic Zvada impressed in training camp, and he should continue to do so in the preseason. That all depends, of course, on opportunities.
It goes without saying that a kicker’s opportunities highly depend on the offense’s ability to drive. If and when Zvada or Ben Sauls get the chance to kick a field goal or extra point, they’ll need to make it count.
New York’s kicker situation has been a massive problem. Graham Gano, Jude McAtamney, Younghoe Koo, and Sauls all started games in 2025, to varying degrees of success.
The competition between Zvada and Sauls has been a good problem for the Giants. They’ve both looked competent in camp, and the gap between them is thin. Though the Michigan product has stood out, watch for Sauls as an option on Saturday as well.
Abdul Carter has reportedly dominated in training camp, with Harbaugh stating he “had a really, really great camp so far.” This isn’t surprising given his camp performance last year, but how will that translate once it’s game time?
Carter became a huge point of contention last season. His rookie campaign started slow, and there were reports of him not putting in proper effort. After former DC Shane Bowen was fired, the Penn State product hit an exceptional stride.
After ending his rookie year with four sacks, 43 combined tackles, and 23 QB hits, Carter is eyeing a second-year leap. He may see limited snaps on Saturday, but what he does with those opportunities will be intriguing.
Odell Beckham Jr. is back in New York and competing for a roster spot. On the Giants’ unofficial depth chart, he’s listed ahead of Juju Smith-Schuster, Jalin Hyatt, Dalen Cambre, and Xavier Gipson.
Malik Nabers isn’t expected to play, while Calvin Austin, Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton, and Darnell Mooney lead the charge. Beckham’s return has been a major story, and it’s time to see what he has to offer.
John Harbaugh expects Beckham to hit the field on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him play. He’s looked good. He’s in shape… I feel like he’s getting stronger every day. He’s in a good place.”
This is Beckham’s next stop on his comeback tour. He’s reportedly performed well in training camp, and this is his chance to prove he still belongs in the NFL. In a crowded receiving room, he’ll need to stand out on Saturday.
From returning icons to shiny new rookies, the Giants have no shortage of stories in preseason. This will be our first look at the Harbaugh era. Football is officially back.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
