Center Shaun O’Hara and linebacker Keith Bulluck both took steps today to get themselves back on the field.
O’Hara missed the past three games with bursitis in his left ankle and Achilles and was able to practice today.
“We gave him more snaps, he did better,’’ Tom Coughlin said.
“It felt pretty good for what I did,’’ O’Hara said. “We don’t know how it’s going to respond so we’re taking it day by day. Hopefully I can do a little more tomorrow. I’m preparing like I’m going to play. If it works out, great.’’
Coughlin cautioned that O’Hara “really hasn’t pushed on anybody yet … that will be an interesting one.’’ O’Hara said, “I felt like I’ve done some things to kind of test it out.’’
Look for O’Hara to start unless he experiences a setback.
Bulluck has been sidelined the past two games with turf toe. His status is a bit murkier. He was able to practice, with Coughlin saying “he did have a limited number of snaps.’’
Given the variety of defensive packages, the Giants may not feel the need to rush Bulluck back for this game against the Lions, with a Monday night game the following week in Dallas.
“I felt good,’’ Bulluck said. “It was my first time being out there in a couple weeks. It’s not completely healed but it’s at the point where the pain is bearable and I just have to work through it.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel if my number’s called I definitely would be ready to play. One thing I would never do is put myself in a situation where I could be taken advantage or on the football field or put myself in a situation where I can hurt the team by being out there. I don’t feel that’s the case now. I guess it’s going to go now based on how the coaches see it and training staff sees it. I’ll be out there practicing again tomorrow.’’
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Defensive end Osi Umenyiora sat out Wednesday’s practice, standard operating procedure for him as he deals with knee problems. He was back at it Thursday, as was safety Kenny Phillips, who was limited Wednesday as he deals with the remnants of a strained MCL in his left knee.
Running back D.J. Ware came out of the victory in Houston with a strained groin and after riding the bike early in practice (wearing full pads) he trotted out onto the field and appeared to be ready to participate.
Still out: FB Madison Hedgecock, DB Brian Jackson and WR Victor Cruz.
