Joe Schoen, Giants to canvas the league as next two weeks prove critical before trade deadline

The grin started to spread across Joe Schoen’s face as he answered the question.So much has already changed for the Giants since September, since Jaxson Dart went down in Week 2 with a season-ending left knee injury that included damage to the PCL, MCL and meniscus.

Since Brian Burns tore his ACL.Since injuries changed the complexion of this Big Blue roster and reframed expectations for 2026. But, as Schoen and the Giants enter the bye week at 4-2-1 and in sole possession of first place in the NFC East, does he view his group as one capable of making a run to the playoffs? “We’re about to find out,” Schoen said Tuesday.  Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.

The next two weeks — beyond the pair of critical division games in four days against the Eagles and Commanders following the bye — will provide a tangible glimpse into Schoen’s thinking too, with the Nov.10 trade deadline looming.

Schoen stuck to the company line Tuesday, maintaining that he’ll consider both the short- and long-term ramifications with possible deals ahead of a draft year in which the Giants already don’t have fourth- and fifth-round picks.But, Schoen said, the injuries to Dart and Burns wouldn’t prevent him from making moves. “I mean, that really doesn’t affect us now,” Schoen said of the injuries to star players.

“… That really won’t impact what we do.Again, we’re going to look at it from a short term and long term, any move that we make, if that makes sense.

That really won’t play much into it right at this moment.” Schoen didn’t sit behind the table in an auditorium and proclaim they’re going all in, willing to spend any pick required to add everything that’s needed.He didn’t pump the brakes, either, in a year when they’ll only have their starting quarterback for 76 snaps.

The first NFL dominoes, though, already fell Tuesday, when the Colts sent guard Quentin Nel...