Eagles Relatively Healthy, Giants Injury Report Grows Heading Into Sunday's Contest
By Curt Macysyn
The New York Giants aren't racking up big numbers on the scoreboard, but one area that grows each week is the team's injury report. This week, 11 different players did not see practice time, so crafting a full 46-man roster for the game will even be a challenge for Big Blue.
According to various reports, David Diehl will be ready to make his 2013 debut after undergoing surgery on his thumb in August. Diehl may not be the player he once was, but the veteran lineman remains a savvy competitor and has seen his fair share of NFC east clashes. His presence will help an offensive line that has changed in composition each week for New York.
New York Giants:
The Giants roster is in such disarray that it is nearly impossible to make any assumptions about who will play and who will not. The single exception being David Diehl, who will get his first start of the season at right guard, taking over for James Brewer. Jim Cordle appears to be the choice at center, replacing the injured David Baas. Cordle started last week.
The offensive line was a point of concern last week, and this week the injury bug has bitten the defensive backfield. Cornerback Corey Webster remains out with a groin injury, and his replacement, Aaron Ross, went down with a back injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jayron Hosley, who replaced Ross, then pulled a hamstring and did not return against the Chiefs.
The good news was that veteran cornerback Trumaine McBride came in and performed well last week, which did not go unnoticed by head coach Tom Coughlin. The secondary remains thin, however, so the team may bring up rookie Charles James (Charleston Southern) off of the practice squad, which would require a roster move for New York. Tight end Adrien Robinson (foot) looks to be a prime candidate to go on the injured reserve list, since he has not been able to suit up this year.
It also appears that the G-men are giving cornerback Terrell Thomas a maintenance day each week, so they do not overtax the thrice injured nickel corner.
Also assisting the rotation in the secondary is the fact that safety Will Hill will return after serving a four-week suspension (substance abuse). The addition of Hill will also require Big Blue to make a roster move. Since New York brought in center Dallas Reynolds this week, the idea that either David Baas or Chris Snee could go on injured reserve is not far fetched.
The Giants also have concerns along the defensive front. Defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins, Shaun Roger and Linval Joseph are nursing injuries. Former Eagles Mike Patterson likely will get more repetitions regardless of whoever suits up, but rookie Johnathan Hankins (Ohio State) may be called upon as well. Coughlin also intimated this week that third round draft pick Damontre Moore (Texas A&M) may see action along the defensive line. Moore had bee participating on special teams exclusively.
And for good measure starting middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (toe) was limited in practice this week.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Cornerback Brandon Boykin looks to be ready to go on Sunday after fully participating in practice on Thursday and Friday. Starting safety Patrick Chung (shoulder) did not play last week against the Denver Broncos and has been limited in practice all week. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was not sure about Chung's status when asked on Thursday. If Chung cannot play, rookie Earl Wolff (NC State) will once again get the call.
New York Giants
Probable:
- CB Terrell Thomas (Knee)
Questionable:
- DT Cullen Jenkins (Knee-Achilles)
- LB Mark Herzlich (Toe)
- DT Shaun Rogers (Back)
Doubtful:
- CB Aaron Ross (Back)
- DT Linval Joseph (Knee-Ankle)
Out:
- CB Jayron Hosley (Hamstring)
- TE Adrien Robinson (Foot)
- CB Corey Webster (Groin)
- OG Chris Snee (Hip)
- C David Baas (Neck)
Philadelphia Eagles
Probable:
- CB Brandon Boykin (Shoulder)
Questionable:
- S Patrick Chung (Shoulder)
For more Giants news and updates, visit Giants Central.
Curt Macysyn has been covering the New York Football Giants for the past two seasons for Examiner.com. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Curt has followed and covered the New York Metropolitan sports scene for 35 years. He attended Seton Hall Prep School in South Orange, NJ and is a graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
