This is Ben McAdoo's 'reason' for sitting Giants' Eli Apple again

LANDOVER, Md. -- Eli Apple's tumultuous second season hit another bump on Thanksgiving.

The cornerback was a healthy scratch for the second straight game in the Giants' 20-10 loss to the Redskins at FedEx Field. It was an unexpected development.

Apple, the team's 2016 first-round pick, was inactive in the Giants' win over the Chiefs last Sunday after missing excused practice time to be with his mother, who had brain surgery. But Apple was back with the team for the entire short week and said he expected to play against Washington. Head coach Ben McAdoo seemed to suggest as much.

But when inactives were announced 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday, Apple was again without a game shirt.

"Eli missed a lot of time last week with practice and the ball game," McAdoo said after the game. "It was a short week without any speed. That was the reason for it."

McAdoo was then asked by a reporter to confirm Apple's back-to-back healthy scratches were not a disciplinary measure. Apple sat the first three series of the Giants' Oct. 8 loss to the Chargers as punishment for breaking team rules.

"I just gave you my reason," McAdoo replied.

Apple was in attendance at the game. The Eastern High product politely declined comment in the locker room after the game. On Tuesday, McAdoo had said, "it's a normal week for Eli."

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The Giants have a nine-day break now before their next game at the Raiders on Dec. 3, so McAdoo's reason for sitting Apple should no longer be relevant when the team plays again. The health and performance of his fellow corners could also make a return necessary.

Veteran Ross Cockrell, who played well in Apple's place against the Chiefs, struggled in the loss to the Redskins while standout Janoris Jenkins injured his ankle on his 53-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jenkins stayed in the game, but was wearing a walking boot in the locker room after the contest. Reserve Donte Deayon also left the game with forearm and jaw injuries, and was seen with his arm wrapped up and in a sling.

Apple has been far from a fan favorite given the controversy surrounding the defensive secondary. His effort on the infamous third-and-33 play in the Giants' loss to the Rams was highly scrutinized, and he has struggled at times to play like a one-time No. 10-overall draft pick. Apple's play had stabilized, though, before his recent trip to the sideline.

Since Week 6, Apple has allowed nine catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns on 19 targets, according to Pro Football Reference. He gave up 25 catches on 37 targets for 305 yards and four touchdowns in Weeks 1-5.

James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.

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