Full Breakdown
Giants Defeat Jets 23-6 in Preseason Finale, Roster Decisions Loom
8/29/2026, 8:07:23 AM
Game Summary
The New York Giants closed the 2026 preseason with a 23-6 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Giants took a 7-6 lead in the opening quarter when Tyrone Tracy Jr. capped a 48-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown run. A 37-yard pass from fourth-string QB Jake Haener to Xavier Gipson in the fourth quarter extended the lead, and rookie kicker Dominic Zvada added field goals of 23, 53 and 46 yards. The Jets’ only score came early on a one-yard run by undrafted rookie Chip Trayanum.
Key Performances
- Dominic Zvada (Rookie Kicker) – perfect on three field-goal attempts and both extra points, securing the kicking job.
- Jake Haener (QB) – 37-yard TD pass to Gipson, his most impressive preseason throw.
- Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) – three catches for 53 yards, including a key 23-yard gain.
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB) – four carries for 37 yards and a touchdown before a concussion evaluation.
- Jets QB Cade Klubnik – intercepted by Zaire Barnes on his first drive.
The Giants amassed 142 rushing yards on 32 carries and dominated time of possession; the Jets relied on an early ten-play ground stretch.
Injuries and Evaluations
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. left in the second quarter for a concussion evaluation, returned later and was cleared.
- Jets edge rusher Joseph Ossai exited with a foot injury; rookie guard Anez Cooper left with a shoulder injury.
Official Statements & Responses
- Head coach John Harbaugh said of Beckham’s performance, “I don’t want to say exactly that he’s making it right now or not, what the considerations are, and things can happen.”
- Harbaugh announced that Dominic Zvada won the Giants’ kicker competition, beating out Ben Sauls.
Roster Implications
Zvada’s flawless outing solidifies his place as the team’s primary kicker. Tracy’s brief concussion and clearance keep him in the running for a backup-running-back spot. Haener’s touchdown pass may move him ahead of Brandon Allen on the depth chart. Beckham’s three-catch effort improves his odds of making the final roster. On the Jets side, Trayanum’s neck injury and Ossai’s foot issue raise questions about their availability for the regular season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s concussion: Some sources note he was evaluated and cleared; others simply state he left the field “wobbly.” The exact clearance timeline is not fully detailed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t want to say exactly that he’s making it right now or not, what the considerations are, and things can happen,” — John Harbaugh, head coach
What’s Next
- NFL teams must cut rosters to 53 players by Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
- Waiver claims are due by Monday, August 31.
These deadlines will determine which fringe players—such as Tracy, Zvada, Haener, and the Jets’ draft picks—secure spots on their respective 53-man rosters.
