Giants-Commanders weather: Snow, severe cold create messy conditions at MetLife in East Rutherford (UPDATE)
UPDATE: The Giants posted an update about snow removal around the stadium:
Parking Advisory: For fans traveling to the game today, please be advised that snow is in the process of being cleared from MetLife Stadium parking lots. Some areas may continue to be affected as crews clear. Please use caution and allow extra time for arrival.
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East Rutherford should prepare for dangerously cold temperatures as a winter weather advisory takes effect through Sunday afternoon, according to AccuWeather.
The advisory, which began at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, will remain in effect until the 1 p.m. ET kickoff between the Giants and Commanders at MetLife Stadium. AccuWeather forecasts up to 3 inches of snow accumulation during this period.
Snow is expected to persist through Sunday morning before tapering off late morning. By 6 a.m., the actual temperature will be around 31 degrees, but winds will make it feel like 24 degrees.
AccuWeather classifies these conditions as very cold and advises caution for older adults, infants, and people with sensitive medical conditions, who should dress appropriately to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
While the snow will end, the temperatures will drop as the day progresses. Sunday afternoon’s high will reach only 27 degrees, but northwest winds of 15 mph with gusts up to 21 mph will create a wind chill of 13 degrees.
The most severe conditions are expected on Sunday evening. While skies will clear, temperatures will plunge into the low 20s. The RealFeel temperature is forecast to drop to 7 degrees by 7 p.m. and as low as 4 degrees by 11 p.m.
AccuWeather warns that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 15 minutes in these bitterly cold conditions, and hypothermia is likely without protective clothing.
The Giants will be without outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) and four other players in Week 15.
The Giants will also be without:
- OLB Victor Dimukeje (knee)
- CB Nic Jones (shoulder)
- DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (ankle)
- WR Beaux Collins (neck/concussion)
Punter Jamie Gillan is listed as doubtful with a left knee injury after sitting out practice throughout the week.
The Giants’ injury situation extends beyond the confirmed absences. Seven players carry a questionable designation heading into the game, including defensive linemen DJ Davidson (illness) and Dexter Lawrence (hamstring). Lawrence participated in Friday’s practice on a limited basis.
Other questionable players include wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (concussion), offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (calf), linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness/neck/knee), cornerback Art Green (hamstring) and linebacker Darius Muasau (ankle). Olszewski showed improvement throughout the week, advancing from no participation on Wednesday to full participation by Friday.
Several Giants players appeared on the Week 15 injury report but received no game status designation, suggesting they are expected to be available. That group includes guard Greg Van Roten (shoulder), tight end Theo Johnson (toe), cornerback Korie Black (biceps), running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) and safety Tyler Nubin (quad).
The Commanders listed nine players on their injury report for the week, though their final game statuses were not specified.
