Dennard Wilson Missed Friday's Practice for a Family Matter, Expected Back Saturday
Coach John Harbaugh said three assistants split the defensive coordinator's install duties in his absence, two days before the Giants face Matthew Stafford and the Rams on Monday night.
Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was out of Friday's practice for a family matter, head coach John Harbaugh said.
"Dennard had a personal — a family situation to deal with today, so he was out today," Harbaugh said Friday. He added that Wilson "will be back tomorrow, expected back tomorrow we should say."
Asked who ran the defense in Wilson's absence, Harbaugh called it "a group effort." He said the defensive staff followed its regular meeting routine, with three assistants splitting install responsibilities: inside linebackers coach Frank Bush handled the "big-picture install," primarily third-down concepts and new defensive calls; defensive pass coordinator/secondary coach Donald D'Alesio covered red-zone install; and defensive backs coach Addison Lynch covered third down.
Harbaugh did not elaborate on the nature of the family matter.
Wilson's absence came two days before the Giants play their first road game of the season, a Monday night matchup at the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff at SoFi Stadium is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the Rams offense.