Giants vs. Commanders: What you need to know

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Commanders-Giants game will be the return of Azeez Ojulari from a calf injury that has sidelined him since Week 4.

He had eight sacks as a rookie last season. Outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins cited Ojulari’s one sack this season as an example of what he can add to the defense.

“The thing he brings is just a really dynamic rusher,” Wilkins said. “He’s really violent with his hands. He’s explosive off the ball, and that adds a ton of value. As you saw in the Chicago game [on Oct. 2] with the sack fumble, he can change the game at any point. Any play can be a game-changing play for him.”

That Bears game was the last time Ojulari has seen the field. He might be on a snap count on Sunday, but at least he will be back in the mix.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s free agent visit to the Giants this week attracted plenty of attention from fans and journalists, but the team itself tried to remain laser-focused on the Commanders.

After practice on Friday, reporters peppered Saquon Barkley and injured receiver Sterling Shepard – both of whom are close to Beckham – with questions about him.

Barkley said the subject did not come up around the team much other than when reporters asked about it. Job One was readying for the Commanders.

“You have to keep the main thing the main thing,” Barkley said.

By Neil Best

Special to Newsday@sportswatch

Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.