RANDLE’S HANDLE: Giants rookie wideout Rueben Randle (above) could see his role expanded tonight beyond special teams. (Joseph E. Amaturo)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The injection of talent the Giants anticipated producing immediate results hasn’t taken hold yet.
In the first two games, first-round draft pick David Wilson has five rushing attempts for 10 yards and one lost fumble. Second-rounder Rueben Randle is looking for his first NFL reception and was on the field for just three offensive snaps in Sunday’s 41-34 win over the Buccaneers.
They need to pick up the pace Thursday night when the Giants play the Panthers with Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon all back home. The highly touted rookies can make their marks on special teams. Last week, Wilson had a 44-yard kickoff return and Randle had a 45-yard punt return called back by a penalty.
“He’s explosive. … If we can block it clean for him, he’s got a chance to get some good returns,’’ special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said of Wilson.
As for Randle, Quinn said, “He’s been good so far.’’
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The last time the Giants played without Bradshaw, Nicks and a starting offensive lineman, they beat the Patriots last season in New England. The Giants got a big performance in that game from tight end Jake Ballard, and will be looking for the same from Martellus Bennett, who in two games has nine receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Sean Locklear will move from left to right tackle to replace David Diehl (knee). Will Beatty will make his first start this season, at left tackle. … With Domenik Hixon (concussion) out, Ramses Barden will get more work as the No. 3 receiver and Randle also will get more snaps. Jerrel Jernigan also figures to be in uniform for the first time this season.
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The Giants aren’t the only team with injury concerns. The Panthers are saying it will be a game-time decision on RB Jonathan Stewart (toe) and RT Byron Bell (ankle). Stewart had been slowed with a sprained ankle, but caught a 17-yard TD pass in last week’s victory over the Saints.
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The quick turnaround is difficult for both teams but perhaps more so for the Giants, who had to travel Wednesday.
“There are a lot of physical challenges, too,’’ Justin Tuck said. “For us old guys, not getting the chance to get your body back to the way you want it like you could with a Sunday game. For us, it’s important for us to make sure that we take care of our bodies, so we can be at full strength come Thursday night.’’
The Giants are one of 20 teams with a 1-1 record, the highest number of 1-1 teams in a single season in NFL history.