The Giants forgotten receiver will have a chance to die in Week 10

The New York Giants didn’t see an encouraging return on their investment in the third round of last year’s draft. The Giants traded up in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft to select Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. After showing promise during his rookie season, Hyatt has been largely absent from the game plan this year. As Hyatt enters a crucial game in Week 10, he has a chance to take a big step further.

The Giants will have to rely more on Jalin Hyatt in Week 10

Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton has played well this season, keeping Hyatt off the field while tightening his grip on the starting No. 2 wide receiver opposite Malik Nabers. However, the Giants will be without Slayton in Week 10. Slayton has a concussion and has been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers.

With Slayton out of the lineup, the Giants will be forced to rely more heavily on Hyatt in Week 10. The speedy sophomore receiver expressed his excitement and confidence in his growing role:

“I feel good about the game plan,” Hyatt said after Thursday’s practice according to The New York Post. “I haven’t had many opportunities, but I didn’t make the most of my opportunities when they came this year. Right now it’s all about taking advantage: staying focused, being open, trusting the DJ and catching the ball.”

The last time the Giants dealt with injuries at the wide receiver position, Hyatt still struggled to get involved. Nabers suffered a concussion in week 4, which sidelined him for the next two weeks. During that stretch, Hyatt was expected to become more involved in the offense, but he collected just one reception for six yards – his only catch of the season.

Hyatt has become the forgotten man in the Giants’ offensive lineup this season. Nabers is an emerging star, Slayton a proven and reliable veteran, Wan’Dale Robinson has become the team’s safety valve in the short passing game, and rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. seems to be one of the most promising young backs in the league. Then there’s Hyatt, a once-promising receiving talent with elite, game-changing speed that the Giants have struggled to exploit.

The Giants have struggled to generate explosive play this season with a terrible deep passing attack. Then Hyatt, a true deep threat with otherwise limited skills, hasn’t been involved. Hyatt hopes to adjust the game plan with him taking more downfield shots to maximize his skills and connecting on some deep passes in Week 10.