Giants’ Jalen Mills Gets ‘Non-Football Injury’ Label for Training Camp

The New York Giants have signed Super Bowl winner Jalen Mills to fill multiple holes in the rebuilding defense, but the versatile veteran will begin training camp on the PUP list.

Mills’ updated status was confirmed by Giants.com Senior Writer Michael Eisen on Tuesday, July 23, just 24 hours before the official start of camp. Eisen reported that Mills, who won the 2018 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been placed “on the reserve/non-football injury list.”

Missing Mills at this key point in the offseason calendar is a minor setback for the Giants. The team is reshuffling the deck on the back end, and Mills could provide depth and even starting experience at both cornerback and safety.

Mills’ absence will be compounded by cornerback Aaron Robinson joining him on the PUP list, along with fellow DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver. It was later confirmed by Art Stapleton from NorthJersey.com “Mills has a calf injury; Thomas-Oliver has a groin injury.”

Tuesday another notable move involved with first round draft pick right tackle Evan Neal who was also declared a PUP.

It’s a tough start to what may be the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft’s final chance to prove he’s not a bust.

Giants need Jalen Mills’ versatility

It made sense for the Giants to pick up Mills in free agency. He played slot, outside corner and safety during his time with the Eagles and New England Patriots.

New Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen could use that level of flexibility as he continues to move the pieces around in the secondary. Bowen’s primary focus will be on how best to replace safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

Both were capable veterans, but the Giants have no experience without them. Instead, second-year corner Deonte Banks is expected to lead a position group that also includes 2024 second-round NFL draft pick Andru Phillips, along with potential breakout player Cor’Dale Flott.

It doesn’t help that Thomas-Oliver, who arrived from the Carolina Panthers this offseason, is also sidelined. It would also look better if Robinson was fully healthy and in the team.

According to Eisen, he hasn’t been a factor for some time: “In 2023, Robinson spent the entire season on the list of players unable to perform, a year after he was limited to two games because he had his appendix removed and his anterior cruciate ligament torn.”

There is a similar uncertainty on the safety front, with Jason Pinnock tasked with keeping things afloat, but he would benefit from having Mills’ reach and knowledge alongside him.

Ironically, despite being a modest addition, Mills’ absence was more felt than the fact that top 10 pick Neal was sidelined.

Evan Neal is still struggling

Eisen noted that “Neal last played on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, when he aggravated an ankle injury that was eventually diagnosed as a minor fracture. The injury was repaired on Jan. 5 in a procedure performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. Neal participated in some offseason practices but did not participate in the team’s minicamp in June.”

Sitting on the sidelines is not a good time for Neal, especially when the Giants have plenty of options to replace the struggling 23-year-old.

Free-agent signing Jermaine Eluemunor and recent tryout Greg Van Roten both played for offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo for the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Meanwhile, Eisen also pointed to Joshua Ezeudu as a potential option to play the right side.

Neal needs a good recovery, but he also can’t afford to stay off the field for too long after two bad seasons in a row.