Giants vs Packers: Thursday practice injury report, Pierre-Paul still out, Jacobs back

The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers have released their official Thursday practice injury reports:

Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) on the sidelines. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 38-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

For the Giants, star defensive-end Jason Pierre-Paul was held out of practice again due to the neck injury he sustained in last week’s game against the Raiders. It still sounds as if JPP will be unable to go on Sunday which would mean Giants’ fans will get their first extended look at rookie Damontre Moore.

Corey Webster (groin/ankle) is still struggling with multiple injuries. He missed practice today and will undoubtedly be inactive on Sunday.

Oct 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) boxes a Philadelphia Eagles goal post pad during pre-game warmups at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In good news, Brandon Jacobs (hamstring/knee), Terrell Thomas (knee), and Bear Pascoe (ankle) were all able to practice today after not practicing yesterday. Barring any setbacks, Pascoe and Thomas should be fine on Sunday. Jacobs case is interesting, as a lot will come down to whether or not the Giants’ staff feel like he is healthy enough to play better than Peyton Hillis. Hillis had a terrible performance last week and I expect if Jacobs hamstring & knee respond alright to the limited duty he saw today, then he will be active on Sunday.

For the Packers, second year cornerback Casey Heyward will be out on Sunday per head coach Mike McCarty:

Heyward had a big time first year in the league and the Packers secondary will surely miss him on Sunday against the Giants passing attack.

Also out for the Packers was starting right tackle, Don Barclay (knee), DT Johnny Jolly (groin), DE/LB Mike Neal (abdomen), and LB Nick Perry (foot/ankle). Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still out with the broken collarbone and will not play on Sunday.

C/G Evan Dietrich-Smith (knee), LB Andy Mulumba (ankle), and DT Ryan Pickett (knee) were all limited today as they were yesterday.

Nov 10, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) runs with the ball past Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers best defensive player, Clay Matthews, was removed from the injury report despite having a broken thumb. Reports out of Green Bay suggest Matthews will not be wearing the ridiculously huge club cast that he did against the Eagles on Sunday which limited his play:

From the sound of things, this could be bad news for Eli Manning.

Overall, the Giants continue to get healthier everyday. The only bad news has been JPP’s neck injury, but let’s be real, he has had little to no impact on the field thus far this year, so his absence on Sunday shouldn’t make a big difference to the Giants defense. I am actually excited to see what Damontre Moore can bring to the table, assuming defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will use him more. Meanwhile, the Packers have been absolutely decimated by injuries, losing their starting and back-up QB’s, their starting TE, starting offensive tackles, starting defensive tackles, linebackers, and in the secondary. There should be absolutely no excuse if the Giants are unable to win at home on Sunday against this depleted Packers squad.