INDIANAPOLIS — Adrien Robinson said, “I’ve been waiting for a chance to make plays like that.’’ The Giants have been waiting for it, too. Saturday night, the third-year tight end finally showed some of the potential general manager Jerry Reese was talking about two years ago when he called Robinson “the JPP of tight ends.’’
The Giants staged an improbable comeback, turning a 26-0 fourth-quarter deficit into a 27-26 preseason victory over the Colts and Robinson played a huge role in the game-winning drive.
With the Giants facing a fourth-and-16 situation, Robinson broke open down the middle of the field — he said it was “like the Red Sea’’ — and hauled in Ryan Nassib’s pass for a 26-yard gain. On the next play, Nassib again found Robinson, this time for 33 yards. They were the two most significant plays Robinson has made in a Giants uniform.
“I think it was real important I got to show not only myself but my teammates and my coaches I can go in there and make plays, especially in the fourth quarter of a game-winning drive,’’ Robinson said “I think that was very important for me personally.”
The Giants sustained four injuries. Cornerback Prince Amukamara left with a strained groin that likely will keep him out the remainder of the preseason.
“I definitely didn’t feel anything pop, I was able to jog, able to cut,’’ Amukamara said. “I don’t think I could have opened up and that’s why I didn’t go back in.’’
Safety Cooper Taylor (toe) left the locker room on crutches and a boot on his left foot. Backup LT Charles Brown was forced out with a shoulder injury and DT Markus Kuhn left early with an elbow issue. Coach Tom Coughlin said Kuhn told him afterward his elbow was fine.
For the third consecutive game, rookie WR Corey Washington made the game-winning touchdown catch.
“It’s becoming like a habit,’’ said Washington, who is making a strong push to make the roster.
Will Beatty started at left tackle, his first game since healing from a broken right leg. Beatty stayed in for two series and was called for one holding penalty that was declined.
“I felt good out there, but I’d feel a lot better with a win,’’ Beatty said. “I felt like I had an average performance, but I don’t want to be average. I want to be extraordinary.”
Brandon Mosley, trying to replace Chris Snee at right guard, played the first three series and then was replaced by rookie Weston Richburg.
Rookie LB Devon Kennard had a 5-yard sack of Colts third-string quarterback Chandler Harnish late in the second quarter.
Quintin Demps, signed in part to solve the Giants’ kick-return problems, lost a fumble in the first quarter on a return.
“I’m very disappointed in myself,’’ Demps said. “I got to get it out of my system now and make sure it never happens again.’’