The Giants, desperate to find a spark on their defense, might be looking to shake things up even more than anticipated.
Earlier this week, there was a report from the NFL Network that DE Osi Umenyiora might be reduced to passing downs in favor of DE Mathias Kiwanuka. That report was further fueled by reports of Kiwanuka working with the first team defense on Friday, though it should be noted that the Giants in recent weeks have been experimenting with a defensive line combination in which Kiwanuka has lined up at RDE in place of Umenyiora and Chris Canty at defensive tackle in place of Fred Robbins.
Head coach Tom Coughlin dismissed the notion of Umenyiora being reduced strictly to passing downs, but he also didn't give the former Pro Bowl defensive end a ringing endorsement regarding keeping his starting job.
“We’ll have to see on that. We’ll play everybody, we’ll get everybody involved," Coughlin said. "We’re trying to do the best we can in maneuvering our personnel according to our team. We preach team defense, so we’re going to try to get other guys involved as much as we can and see if we can’t solve some issues.”
Coughlin was also asked if Umenyiora has been struggling to regain his Pro Bowl form since having his knee surgery last year. “I think Osi would tell you ‘no’ if in fact he is having any problems. But if you have been in the game, you know that a majority of the time that becomes an issue and can, in fact, be something that the player has to fight his way through, although he never complains about it.”
* RB Ahmad Bradshaw did some work on a limited basis, so all signs are pointing to him being ready for Sunday’s game. Coughlin said he remains encouraged by the progress made by Bradshaw and will list him as questionable on the team’s injury report. Bradshaw said that his ankle “feels ten times better” than it did ten days ago when he first injured it.
S Michael Johnson (groin), who is listed as questionable, will probably be a long shot for Sunday as he missed his third day of practice. If Johnson can’t go, the logical choice for a replacement would be C.C. Brown.
TE Travis Beckum was added to the injury report after tweaking his groin during Friday’s practice. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
LB Michael Boley, WR Derek Hagan (hamstring) and QB Eli Manning (foot) are listed as probable for Sunday.
* Coughlin said that the team was still having discussions regarding filling their open roster spot that was vacated when LB Antonio Pierce was placed on injured reserve Monday. “Do we need to? I don’t know that we need to. It depends on whether or not the individual’s status might be.”
I am assuming the ‘individual’ Coughlin was referring to is either Michael Johnson or Ahmad Bradshaw.
