It’s that time of the week again, Monday. Time to check out what’s going on in the Giants world around the ‘sphere.
– The Star-Ledger reports that the Giants offense will be at full strength once again for the Giants road trip to Baltimore this coming Saturday. The Giants are expecting to start Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Chris Snee, Rich Seubert against the Ravens… all are practicing this morning, Eli donning a cap even though his stitches have been removed. [via]
– After a very long and grueling game at home against the Steelers the other night with backup QB Rhett Bomar at the helm for the full 60 minutes, Tom Coughlin wants to preserve his #1 QB’s health first and foremost at practice today. He said of Eli’s wounds:
"“We’re certainly going to be very, very careful. We won’t allow anybody to touch the quarterback. Most of our guys are really good that, if they do get free, they come up the field past the quarterback. We don’t allow them to put their hands up or hands anywhere near where the quarterback’s arm or release point would be. So the guys are pretty much aware of that. I think we can practice under those conditions.”"
– Newly signed former Eagle offensive lineman Shawn Andrews is practicing today with the Giants and will take reps at both Guard and Tackle. The indication is of course the Giants are trying to figure out how the pro bowl lineman can best be used in their system.
– After Danny Ware left Saturday’s game with a concussion, and second year rookie Andre Brown stepped in with an impressive effort (13 car, 61 yds, 4.6 yp) as the featured RB – he now has a legitimate shot to make the Giants roster in that coveted top 3 spot. Coughlin said of Brown’s performance:
"“I thought there were times in the game when Andre did a real good job. There were other occasions when it looked like we probably could have had a little bit more. But as the game went on, he did a good job. He got better and better.”"
NY Post has the full report about Brown beating out Ware for the third Spot. [via]
Tom Rock says Brown is currently solidified in the #2 spot behind Ahmad Bradshaw now that Jacobs has a baffling neck/muscle injury. [via]
– Pat Traina weighs in on the Hakeem Nicks ejection, and the possible consequences from the NFL after it all falls out. [via]
"I doubt Nicks gets suspended. He’ll be fined, I’m sure."
– WR Ramses Barden and S Michael Johnson both apparently have some “structural” issues with their backs, but Coughlin did not elaborate.
"“Progress is being made, it’s a little bit slow, but it’s being made.”"
Coughlin did say that Johnson has a chance to practice this week, but Barden probably not. [via]