Giants' slot CB Trumaine McBride benched in Week 5

When the New York Giants removed slot cornerback Trumaine McBride from their Week 5 win over the San Francisco 49ers, it was assumed that he aggravated a previous groin injury. In his Monday conference call with the media, head coach Tom Coughlin confirmed that was not the case.

Coughlin confirmed that McBride did not re-injure his groin, and when asked about why cornerback Trevin Wade replaced him, he admitted that the Giants wanted to give Wade an opportunity. McBride was effectively benched for his poor play.

In the end, neither cornerback played particularly well in Week 5. According to Pro Football Focus, McBride allowed four catches on four targets for 82 yards receiving while in primary coverage. Wade allowed three catches on four targets for 55 yards receiving while in primary coverage.

The slot cornerback position has been a weakness for the Giants throughout the course of the season. At some point, they could explore the option of using veteran outside cornerback Jayron Hosley in the slot again.