After teasing their fans for weeks, the Giants finally appear ready for Prince Amukamara’s closeup.
The rookie first-round pick, sidelined since the second day of training camp by a broken bone in his foot, went through an entire practice yesterday and seems likely to make his long-delayed Giants debut Sunday against the Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
Coach Tom Coughlin wouldn’t commit to suiting up the touted Nebraska cornerback this weekend, but said Amukamara has been cleared medically to play and “took part in everything” during yesterday’s workout.
“I have been getting a lot of reps with the first team and with the scout team, helping out like that,” Amukamara said after the practice. “This week is looking more promising [to play in a game] than last week, if that’s what you’re asking me.”
The Giants also appear more likely to have Amukamara make his NFL debut at home against an injury-depleted Eagles passing game than on the road Nov. 28 on “Monday Night Football” against Drew Brees and the Saints in the din of the Superdome.
Although Coughlin is sure to limit Amukamara’s snaps out of caution once he finally suits up, Amukamara said he has handled as many as 60 snaps in practice the past week without too much problem.
“It gets sore, but I go back to practice the next day,” he said.
* The Giants could have a different starting left tackle Sunday after Will Beatty was a sudden addition to the injury report with what Coughlin described as a flareup of long-running back issues.
Beatty didn’t practice yesterday, meaning Stacey Andrews could make his first career start on the left side.
* Weakside linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring) didn’t practice again yesterday and appears unlikely to play Sunday, meaning a bigger role for rookie Greg Jones and potentially playing time for fellow rookie linebackers Jacquian Williams, Mark Herzlich and Spencer Paysinger.
Although the rookie linebackers will be heavily involved, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell isn’t trusting them completely.
Fewell said yesterday the helmet microphone Boley usually wears to relay the signals would be worn by a veteran (most likely a defensive back or Mathias Kiwanuka).
* Michael Vick (broken ribs) didn’t practice again yesterday, but the Eagles still haven’t said if Vince Young or Mike Kafka will start in his place if — as expected — Vick is sidelined Sunday.
When asked which quarterback he was preparing the Giants to face this weekend, Fewell smiled and said: “All three.”
