Cornerback Deonte Banks’ perceived lack of effort during his attempt to tackle Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in week seven led to speculation that the Giants would bench him, but he was on the field for Monday night’s game against the Steelers to start.

However, Banks ended up on the bench before the end of the evening. Banks was pulled in the second quarter in favor of Greg Stroman on a drive where he gave up completions and was then stymied by Steelers running back Najee Harris as he attempted to make a tackle.

“I thought that was necessary during that series a little bit more,” head coach Brian Daboll said at his post-match press conference. “I had a conversation with him and went with the other guys.”

Banks was a first-round pick in 2023, so benching him in favor of a raise to the practice squad isn’t the kind of decision you make lightly. Daboll said he believes the banks “will come back” and suggested he start over next week.

“I’m not going to make any statements right now, but yes, I would say so,” Daboll said.

The current Giants regime has made first-round picks for Banks, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, tackle Evan Neal and wide receiver Malik Nabers over the past three years. Nabers has played well, but Neal has been benched all season and Thibodeaux is on injured reserve, so it’s not hard to tie part of the reason for the team’s 2-6 record to the lack of returns they got from premium choices.