Giants Head To Philadelphia Amidst More Changes Along Offensive Line
By Curt Macysyn
It started in pre-season when starting safety Stevie Brown went down with a season-ending knee injury against the New York Jets, and the injury bug has not let up through Week 7 of the regular season. As the Giants continue to employ the next man up, their depth, especially along the offensive line and running back position, has been tested routinely. This week will be no different as Big Blue travels down the New Jersey Turnpike to meet their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are relatively healthy for the contest, except it appears that last week's starting quarterback, Nick Foles, will be out after suffering a concussion last week against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, third-string QB Matt Barkley came in and threw three interceptions, and the Birds lost 17-3. This week, both Barkley and veteran Michael Vick have been taking repetitions with the first team. Vick injured his hamstring against New York three weeks ago and was inactive last week.
New York Giants
The Giants offensive line has played better since veteran David Diehl returned to the lineup a few weeks back, so the insertion of Jim Cordle at center should go more smoothly this time than it did previously. Starting center David Baas could not even finish one series against the Minnesota Vikings before he was hurt for the third time this season, and the veteran from Michigan ended up on the injured reserve list. He is now out for the season, and Cordle will be the starter until further notice.
It would be nice to get starting running back Brandon Jacobs back on the field against the Eagles. Veteran halfback Peyton Hillis and rookie Michael Cox (UMass) were more than adequate in the win against the Vikings, but neither can be considered the threat that Jacobs is. Fullback John Conner also looks more comfortable with the playbook, so he may be used slightly more, especially as a receiver out of the backfield.
Cornerbacks Corey Webster and Jayron Hosely are frequent visitors to the injury list; both have been limited in practice this week, so expect Trumaine McBride to get the start against Philadelphia. Webster is nursing a groin injury and Hosley pulled his hamstring several weeks ago. Rookie Charles James (Charleston Southern) has performed well in their absences.
Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers has not practiced all week with a knee injury, and it would be a longshot for him to play on Sunday. Rookie Johnathan Hankins (Ohio State) would take Rogers spot in the rotation, should he be unable to play.
Veteran cornerback Terrell Thomas has been limited in practice this week, but the Giants are giving the thrice injured defensive back maintenance days to make sure he can go at game time.
Philadelphia Eagles
The one position affected by injury is a major one for the Birds--quarterback, and head coach Chip Kelly has not named a starter yet. Vick is listed as probable and will likely start for the Eagles. If Vick is ready to go, then undoubtedly he would be behind center. If that is the case, however, Vick seems to be far less than 100 percent. Third-stringer Matt Barkley threw for three interceptions in just one quarter of action on Sunday, so whatever decision that Kelly makes will have a major impact on the game plan for the Eagles.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said that his team is preparing for Vick to be the starter.
The only other Eagle not to practice is special teams ace Jake Knott, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Punter Donnie Jones and defensive end Cedric Thornton were limited in practice with foot and knee injuries respectfully.
New York Giants
Probable:
- CB Terrell Thomas (Knee)
Questionable:
- RB Brandon Jacobs (Hamstring)
- CB Jayron Hosley (Hamstring)
- TE Adrien Robinson (Foot)
- CB Corey Webster (Groin)
- LB Spencer Paysinger (Knee)
Doubtful:
- DT Shaun Rogers (Knee)
Out:
- RB David Wilson (Neck)
- C David Baas (Knee/Injured Reserve)
Philadelphia Eagles
Probable:
- CB Bradley Fletcher (Knee)
- OT Jason Peters (Finger/Shoulder)
- P Donnie Jones (Left Foot)
- WR Jarius Wright (Ankle)
- K Blair Walsh (Hamstring)
Questionable:
- DE Cedric Thornton (Knee)
- S Patrick Chung (Shoulder)
Doubtful:
- QB Nick Foles (Concussion)
- Jake Knott (Hamstring)
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.
