Russell Wilson’s Surprise Preseason Start Shakes Up the Giants’ Camp
You could almost hear the collective double-take across the NFL world last week when news broke on the morning of the Giants’ preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills — Russell Wilson was starting.
No, it wasn’t because Brian Daboll suddenly decided there was a heated quarterback battle brewing between Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart. It was much simpler than that: Wilson wanted in. And when an eight-time Pro Bowler asks to take the field, sometimes you just hand him the helmet.
The Call to Play Came From Wilson Himself
Head coach Brian Daboll didn’t overcomplicate the decision. If his new starting quarterback wanted live reps, he was more than happy to oblige.
“I definitely wanted to play,” Wilson shared after the game, still buzzing from the experience. “Anytime you get between those white lines, it’s a blessing. Man, I’m just grateful to wear the blue, and what a great day it was. Dabs and I were totally on the same page — I wanted to play, he wanted me to play, and I was ready to roll. I love playing.”
For a guy entering his 13th NFL season, it wasn’t about proving he could win a roster battle. It was about rhythm, leadership, and embracing a fresh start.
Why Live Reps Still Matter
Daboll knows you can’t fully replicate game-day intensity during practice — especially when your QB is wrapped in a “no-contact” red jersey. In real games, pockets collapse. Safeties close in fast. Linebackers don’t slow down just because you’ve got a nameplate like “Wilson” on your back.
“There's no substitute for tackling, no substitute for cleaning the pocket, no substitute for yards after the catch when you’re about to get hit, no substitute for being live as a quarterback,” Daboll explained.
That’s coach-speak for: practice is nice, but the real thing is different.
The Big Question: Two Weeks in a Row?
So, will Wilson get the nod again in the Giants’ second preseason game? On Thursday, Daboll was playing it coy. He admitted the staff has “an idea” of which starters will suit up, but nothing was locked in.
“We’ll do what’s best for the team,” Daboll told reporters. “We’ll meet with the medical staff, check where guys are health-wise, and go from there.”
Translation: if Wilson’s healthy and Daboll thinks the reps are worth it, we might just see him again before Week 1.
Why This Isn’t a Rookie Situation
Wilson isn’t Jaxson Dart. He doesn’t need preseason snaps to prove he can read NFL defenses or adjust to speed. The guy has been a full-time starter since 2012, has a Super Bowl ring, and has played under more offensive coordinators than some rookies have had head coaches.
But there’s a twist — this is Wilson’s second straight season playing for a new team. He started last year in Pittsburgh after a rocky stint in Denver. In 2024, he’s walking into another playbook, another locker room, another fan base. Even for a veteran, that’s a lot of moving parts.
A Quick Career Recap to Set the Scene
Let’s not forget, Wilson’s career milestones are stacking up. If all goes to plan, the Giants’ Week 1 game will be his 200th regular-season appearance. That’s a benchmark most quarterbacks never sniff.
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Seattle Era: The fairy-tale beginning — rookie sensation, back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, one Lombardi Trophy.
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Denver Detour: Big expectations, bigger disappointment.
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Pittsburgh Chapter: Started 12 games, made the playoffs, but wasn’t the long-term answer.
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Now in New York: Set to lead Big Blue into the 2025 season.
Why Giants Fans Are Watching This Closely
For Giants fans, Wilson’s arrival isn’t just about stability under center — it’s about hope. This is a franchise still looking to recapture its Super Bowl-era swagger. Bringing in a quarterback who’s been to the mountaintop sends a clear signal: they’re not content to “rebuild slowly.”
Wilson’s veteran presence could also speed up the development of young weapons on the roster. Preseason reps aren’t just for him — they’re for the wide receivers learning his cadence, the offensive line figuring out his pocket movement, and the coaching staff fine-tuning play calls in real time.
Daboll’s Balancing Act
Here’s the tricky part: Daboll has to balance getting Wilson enough live action to be sharp with protecting him from unnecessary preseason hits.
On one hand, he knows the more Wilson runs the offense now, the smoother things will be in September. On the other, one awkward tackle in August could derail the season before it starts.
That’s why the “will he or won’t he” question about Week 2 of the preseason is such a talking point in New York sports circles right now.
The Locker Room Factor
Another reason Wilson may want to keep suiting up? Credibility. When a quarterback — especially a decorated veteran — takes the field in the preseason, it sends a message: I’m here to work alongside you, not above you.
For younger players and those fighting for roster spots, that matters. If Wilson is willing to grind through meaningless August snaps, it raises the standard for the whole team.
Why This Story’s Just Getting Started
If Wilson plays again next week, we might get a clearer sense of how Daboll plans to use him in the regular season. Will the offense lean into Wilson’s deep-ball ability? Will they use his mobility in rollouts and bootlegs? Or will they run a more traditional dropback scheme to protect him as the season wears on?
Whatever the case, Giants fans can expect one thing: this isn’t going to be a quiet, forgettable transition year for Wilson. He’s not here to fade into the background.
Key Takeaways:
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Wilson’s start against Buffalo was his idea, not Daboll’s.
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Preseason snaps are about rhythm, not roster battles, for Wilson.
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Week 1 will be his 200th career regular-season game.
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This is Wilson’s second new team in as many years.
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Giants are walking the line between getting him reps and keeping him healthy.
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