Signed a day apart in late November, Michael Clayton and Devin Thomas have been with the Giants for five games, and if you told either of them heading into the regular-season finale they wouldn’t have a single reception, they would have been, well, more than surprised.
“I’m definitely hungry, waiting for my first one, we’ll see what happens on Sunday,” Clayton said.
It’s been a long wait for both receivers, but at least one of them figures to be needed against the Redskins. Hakeem Nicks (broken toe) joins Steve Smith (knee) and can’t play this weekend, leaving Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan as the fill-in starters. If the Giants need a third receiver, Clayton or Thomas gets the call.
Can they answer it?
“For some reason this year has just been a wacky year for me,” said Thomas, a former Redskins second-round draft pick. “Being here definitely is tough sledding, there are a lot of guys in front of me. I’m pretty comfortable now, but it took me a little while to get things going. Hopefully it’s here.”
Thomas made an immediate impact in his first game with the Giants, blocking a punt and downing a punt at the 5-yard line in the 31-7 victory over the Redskins at New Meadowlands Stadium. As a receiver, it has taken time for Thomas to figure out the offense, but he feels he’s got it down.
“I’ve been getting some opportunities in practice even more,” said Thomas, who in three seasons with the Redskins caught 40 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns. “Hopefully there’s enough confidence to allow them to put me out there and trust in me to make plays.”
Clayton spent the past six years with the Buccaneers, spent the early part of this season in the UFL, and his 2004 rookie year in the NFL remains by far his best. He’s been a willing and able blocker in the run game, but has barely been a part of the passing attack.
“I’ve been through a lot in my career,” Clayton said. “I’ve been a part of years where you go three, four games and a ball isn’t thrown your way. The most that a wide receiver wants to do is catch balls, but I think the main thing that’s allowed me to have longevity in this league is what I do away from the ball. I really take pride in being a complete player and I don’t sway if a ball doesn’t come my way. It’s just about being a team player. I’ve been content with that.”