EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and center Nick Gates toed the company line in saying very little about the recent firing of line coach Marc Colombo.
The Giants (3-7) will be playing their first game since the stunning dismissal more than a week ago when they face the Bengals (2-7-1) in Cincinnati on Sunday.
Coach Joe Judge fired Colombo on Nov. 18 after the two argued about the planned hiring of veteran line coach Dave DeGuglielmo as a consultant. The move came with the line performing well, the team on a two-game winning streak and heading into a bye week.
Judge defended his action as in the best interest of the team. He hired DeGuglielmo to coach the line, which had helped the team gain at least 100 yards rushing in six of the last seven games.
Neither Garrett, who coached and hired Colombo as an assistant while in Dallas, nor Gates had been available for comment before Friday.
Without being asked a question on the firing, Garrett said Judge had addressed the issue.
“So I don’t I don’t see any reason for me to talk about it much further,” he said. “Joe took care of all that. And we’re focused on what we need to do this weekend against Cincinnati.”
Garrett also declined to say whether Judge had spoken to him about hiring DeGuglielmo as a consultant. He said the line was in good hands with DeGuglielmo. Garrett described his relationship with Judge as great.
When asked about the firing, Gates, like Garrett, said Judge had addressed it. He said DeGuglielmo is a good guy who has changed some things, but the techniques are ones he has used with other coaches in his career.
“I don’t think the outside observer will really notice,” Gates said of the changes. “We still have the same system, same plays, we have the same agenda we’re going to follow. Jason (Garrett) is still going to be calling the same plays, and we’re still going to be running them.”
NOTES: Graham Gano practiced with the team Friday and Judge is optimistic he will be able to kick Sunday. He tested positive for COVID-19 before the bye and has been isolating in a hotel room. Ryan Santoso would kick if Gano, who has made 20 straight field goal attempts, cannot play. … There is a chance rookie safety Xavier McKinney makes his NFL debut this weekend. The second-round draft pick from Alabama broke a foot in training camp. … LBs Tae Crowder (hamstring) and Oshane Ximines (shoulder) may return from injured reserve. … CB James Bradberry, who missed practice the last two days because of personal reasons, was back Friday and is expected to play.
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