Jason Pinnock poised to seize Giants starting safety role with Tyler Nubin sidelined

Jason Pinnock is set to start at safety for the New York Giants on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, taking advantage of a clear opportunity due to the absence of starting safety Tyler Nubin, who is sidelined with a neck injury. Pinnock has also cleared concussion protocol, making him available for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Pinnock, who recorded 6.5 sacks with the Giants in the 2022-2024 seasons, expressed his readiness for the current defensive scheme. "I've been waiting since I heard this [defensive] system was coming back," Pinnock told The Post. "Trust me, I've been ready for it. Dennard knows my strengths. Y'all will see it."

This game presents a significant chance for Pinnock to solidify his claim to a starting position. He acknowledged the competitive dynamic with Nubin, stating, "We're both competitors: Nubin wants to start, I want to start. I'm blessed to be in a position with a guy that we both just get each other to work our asses off and get each other to try to be perfect."

Nubin had earned the starting job during training camp. However, issues with his recovery speed, which have been a concern since earlier in his career, have resurfaced in recent games. These miscues have led to explosive gains for opponents. As a result, Nubin was temporarily replaced by Pinnock in Weeks 3 and 4.

In Week 5, Pinnock was unavailable due to injury, and Nubin remained in the game. Despite another misstep on a 33-yard touchdown run, Nubin continued to play until he sustained a neck injury in a collision and was replaced by Ar'Darius Washington.

Defensive backs coach Donald D’Alessio has focused on footwork and angles as key areas for improvement. "It's angles," D'Alessio recently commented. "Your initial footwork and no wasted steps and footwork. [Nubin] has been in position and made a bunch of tackles."

D'Alessio views the competition between Nubin and Pinnock as a "good problem to have," suggesting a rotation could be utilized when both players are healthy. Pinnock had previously served as Nubin's mentor in 2024 before a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers.

"I'm just looking to, when I get my opportunity, play great ball and play free," Pinnock said. "It's humbling for both of us, but I think they are getting the best out of both of us, in a sense. Obviously, at some point, we're both alphas, so hopefully something will shake out. I think the biggest thing is to bring some continuity to the defense."

Head coach John Harbaugh has demonstrated a willingness to make in-season personnel changes. He previously benched center John Michael Schmitz, a second-round draft pick like Nubin, in favor of Bryan Hudson. Regarding player evaluations, Harbaugh stated, "It's case-by-case. It depends on your options. Some things are more up in the air at positions and some things are more established. Sometimes the door opens for different reasons. Sometimes it's injury, sometimes it's performance. Those are the two main things. And when that happens, you can bet there's someone chomping at the bit ready to take advantage of that opportunity and make their mark."