Rookie WR Hakeem Nicks will be out at least two weeks with a sprained left foot. An MRI revealed there was no extensive damage and after the two weeks he will be reevaluated. The same timetable is in place for RB Danny Ware, who went down returning the opening kickoff vs. the Redskins with a dislocated elbow.
Tom Coughlin in his day-after press conference singled out three plays that he thought made a big difference in the 23-17 victory:
1. The way the Giants defended the option pass attempt by WR Antwaan Randle El – a play that worked against the Giants defense in the past. This time, everyone played their assignment perfectly and LB Chase Blackburn and DE Justin Tuck hunted Randle El down to split an 11-yard sack.
2. Rich Seubert’s alert recovery of an Eli Manning fumble.
3. The way the Giants defended the on-side kick in the closing minute.
The injury news is not very encouraging for CB Aaron Ross, who missed the opener with a strained hamstring. Ross said the injury is getting better but he didn’t sound optimistic about his chances to get on the field this week for practice, making it likely he’ll sit out again when the Giants face the Cowboys Sunday to open up the new Cowboys Stadium.
CB Kevin Dockery also missed the opener with a strained hamstring and he sounded more optimistic, although Coughlin didn’t sound convinced.
LB Michael Boley was away from the team for one week serving a league-manded one-game suspension and returned to the Giants today. He missed all of preseason recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip but he said he expects to be on the practice field Wednesday to participate in all the team drills for the first time. He said he also expects to play vs. the Cowboys. Chase Blackburn started vs. the Redskins at weak side linebacker, the spot Boley was signed to play.
“It’s a lot better considering where I was,” Boley said. “I’m looking forward to getting out here and testing it out. It’s easy to get in there and say I’ve done this in the weight room or I’ve done this in the training room but until you actually get out on the field and get involved in some contact drills and all that you won’t know.”
DT Chris Canty was able to shake off the hamstring issues he experienced the previous few weeks and play about 20 plays in his Giants debut. He said he felt fine, although he tired quickly. “It felt like I played 50 plays and I only played around 20,” Canty said. “It’s hard to simulate that kind of intensity. Don’t miss preseason, you need preseason.”
It’s a big week for Canty, who gets to go against his former team, the Cowboys. He played down the emotional aspect to the weekend event.
“It’s going to be intense,” Canty said. “They’re opening their new stadium, it’s going to be a great atmosphere for football. It’s not going to be an environment for the meek and mild. I think any great competitor looks forward to it and I’m really looking forward to this one. It’s going to be good going down to Dallas. I look forward to the opportunity to compete against my former ball club.”
