Giants Place Cornerback Paulson Adebayo on Injured Reserve, Elevate Colton Hood

The New York Giants have placed cornerback Paulson Adebayo on injured reserve with a knee injury, the team announced Friday. While the injury is not believed to be long-term, Adebayo will miss a minimum of four games. This move further thins a cornerback unit that already faced questions entering the season.

Adebayo, in his second year with the Giants after signing a significant contract extension, had a challenging training camp and lost his starting position to Deonte Banks. Adebayo played only 10 defensive snaps in the Giants' Week 1 victory over the Cowboys.

Compounding the team's defensive backfield concerns, Deonte Banks' availability for Monday night's game against the Rams is now uncertain. Banks missed practice on Friday due to a calf injury, following a limited session on Thursday. Head coach John Harbaugh described Banks as day-to-day.

With Adebayo sidelined and Banks' status up in the air, rookie second-round pick Colton Hood is in line for increased playing time. Hood, who played six defensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps in Week 1, could be called upon to start or play a significant rotational role. He expressed readiness for the opportunity.

"For sure, yeah," Hood told The Post when asked if he anticipates an increased role this week. "They’ve prepared me well. I’ve been ready, just waiting on my opportunity, going out there and making the most of it."

The Giants also signed cornerback Nikko Reed off the Chargers' practice squad to add depth, a move Harbaugh indicated was important given the timing of the season.

"At this time of year it’s good to be aggressive, especially at that position," Harbaugh said. "There’s still guys on the practice squad who won’t last on the practice squad probably too much longer, so it was a good get for us."

The Giants will face a Rams team that features wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Nacua also missed practice on Friday with a hip injury.