New York Giants vow full effort from starters in season finale against Cowboys

With the New York Giants limping to a 3-13 record and preparing to host the Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) in Sunday’s meaningless season finale, interim head coach Mike Kafka made one thing crystal clear on Tuesday: His team will play to win, with starters going all out.

Asked directly about the plan for key veterans like edge rusher Brian Burns and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, Kafka remained steadfast.

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"We have a plan, and we're playing the game. Everyone’s rolling all the way through," he told reporters.

When pressed on whether the usual second-half limitations for starters would apply, Kafka doubled down.

"No, we’re not even thinking that way at all. Going straight through. Straight through all 60 minutes or whatever it takes," he said.

The approach stands in stark contrast to Dallas, where owner Jerry Jones has been noncommittal about starter usage, confirming only that quarterback Dak Prescott will play but declining to guarantee a full game.

Kafka repeatedly emphasized preparation and execution over looking ahead, while framing the finale as "the first game of the 2026 season" -- an opportunity to build momentum despite the dismal campaign.

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"We've been in our routines for so long that, yeah, we all know it's the last game of the season, but I think it's important for these guys to understand it's also the first game of the 2026 season and it's an opportunity for our guys to set the tone for the future," he said.

A win could drop the Giants as low as No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL draft order. A loss and some help would secure the first overall pick.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants vow full effort from starters in season finale against Cowboys