Through the first four weeks of the regular season, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was the centerpiece of the New York Giants' offense. Quarterback Daniel Jones always relied on Nabers as his primary target, but a concussion sidelined the young star in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. This led to the Giants needing a new game plan to distribute the ball effectively and find other playmakers to step up.

Despite the absence of their top receiver, the Giants managed to secure a 29-20 road win over the Seahawks thanks to the contributions of several key players.

Darius Slayton's resurgence

The first four weeks of the season didn't go particularly well for veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton, who only had 10 receptions for 122 yards. However, Week 5 was a turning point for the 26-year-old receiver. Slayton matched his season highs in one game, rushing for 122 yards on eight receptions and scoring a touchdown on a long catch of 41 yards.

Slayton's breakout performance came at a time when the Giants desperately needed someone to step up in Nabers' absence. Known for his deep ball skills, Slayton ensured he was a presence off the field, dominating on slant routes and giving Jones a reliable target.

Slayton's uncertain future

Darius Slayton has been a hot topic of discussion among Giants fans, especially regarding his future with the team. Slayton is in the final year of a two-year, $12 million contract and the Giants declined to offer him a contract extension in the offseason despite a brief delay. His long-term future with the team remains uncertain.

It's possible Slayton won't return to the Giants after this season, especially as the team weighs its options with Daniel Jones. If the Giants decide to move on from Jones and move to a rookie quarterback, their spending in free agency could be limited. Instead, they could rely on the NFL Draft to add young talent to their roster, further complicating Slayton's prospects of staying in New York.

Regardless of what the future holds, Slayton's performance against Seattle reminded everyone of his ability to be a reliable WR2, whether with the Giants or another team.

A look at week 6

Since the Giants are 2-3, they face a crucial game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The hope is that Malik Nabers returns to the lineup after recovering from a concussion, but Slayton's reemergence could also lead to a more balanced offensive approach moving forward.

The Giants will need all hands on deck to prepare for a difficult stretch of games, but if Week 5 proved anything, it's that they have more than one reliable option when the pressure is on.