Janoris Jenkins: We won’t hate each other this year
Janoris Jenkins says he is fully healthy after undergoing ankle surgery last season and playing a career-low nine games, but he can’t promise that an injury-free season is ahead.
What the Giants’ top cornerback can — and did — guarantee is a season free of any drama, unlike last year, when he failed to return to the team following the bye week and/or alert the Giants of his whereabouts, and was given a one-game suspension.
“I promise y’all that Jackrabbit says it won’t happen this year what happened last year,” Jenkins said Tuesday. “There won’t be any animosity between players, no disrespecting the coach. There will be none of that. New York Giant football is back.
“I learned a lot, just facing adversity. Whether it’s me not showing up to practice or us losing, everybody not on the same page and just ready to kick off and pile energy all year.”
Jenkins’ play was solid before his season was cut short, though not as spectacular as his first year with the Giants in 2016.
The 29-year-old said his ankle was an issue all season.
“I came into [the season] with it, but I didn’t let anybody know until it got worse,” Jenkins said. “It’s a fresh start for everybody. We’ve got a new coaching staff, new general manager and everybody is clean. You just come in with positive energy, focused and ready to go.
“Everybody is ready. Everybody knows what is expected around here.”
The only players missing from the start of minicamp were offensive lineman Ereck Flowers, defensive lineman Damon Harrison and safety Landon Collins, who underwent a second surgery on his right forearm Monday.
The sessions are voluntary, but new coach Pat Shurmur said, “I tend to believe it is very necessary.”
Odell Beckham Jr. was limited to work on the side with the training staff, but fellow receiver Sterling Shepard can’t even tell the superstar fractured his ankle last season.
“I think the training room is kind of saving him from himself right now,” Shepard said. “He wants to get out and run around and do a whole bunch of stuff, but they’re kind of holding him back. I’ve been with him and have been training with him a bit and, to be honest, I forget that he got hurt sometimes.”
Despite being kept off the field, Beckham’s presence has made an impact with the team.
“You can tell the difference around the facility whenever that guy is in the building,” Shepard said. “You get a happy feeling. He’s always making people laugh everywhere you go, so it’s good to have him in the building.”
Running back Paul Perkins also did not participate due to a pectoral injury, which required his left arm to be in a sling.
Jenkins campaigned on social media for the Giants to sign Dez Bryant. The cornerback believes the former Cowboys star would be a valuable addition, following the release of Brandon Marshall.
“He’s a great player,” Jenkins said. “It’s not that I want him here, I just feel like depth is key. Whatever decision the organization makes it’s on them.
“I just think that everybody deserves a second opportunity, and we’ll see how that goes.”