Giants Rookie Mauigoa Faces Major Test Against Rams' Aaron Donald
The Giants' first-round pick will likely line up against the newly returned defensive superstar in his second NFL game.
Giants rookie guard Sisi Mauigoa is set to face a significant challenge in his second NFL game, potentially matching up against Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald on Monday Night Football. Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to make his season debut after missing the Rams' Week 1 game.
Mauigoa, whom the Giants drafted with the No. 10 overall pick, had a flawless performance in his Week 1 debut. According to Next Gen Stats, he allowed zero pressures and zero QB hits in 36 pass-blocking snaps, becoming the first rookie since 2018 to achieve this feat. Giants offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren acknowledged Mauigoa's strong start but noted the elevated challenge Donald presents.
"Sisi is a strong dude, too," Bloomgren said. "He’s not your average rookie." Bloomgren added that Mauigoa's best chance against Donald will be to maintain his poise and technique, focusing on getting his hands on the defender and setting properly in pass-blocking situations.
Donald, 35, came out of retirement to rejoin the Rams on a one-year, $30 million deal. He missed most of training camp as he ramped up his conditioning. "I’m feeling really good," Donald stated recently. "I feel a lot better now that I’ve got more practices under my belt instead of one. So, I’m kind of getting in the groove of things."
In other injury news, Giants cornerback Deonte Banks did not practice for the second consecutive day due to a calf issue and is listed as questionable for Monday's game. The cornerback position is already thin for the Giants following Paulson Adebo's placement on injured reserve. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is also listed as questionable with a hip injury.