Defensive ends Justin Tuck and offensive tackle James Brewer were among the Giants players who went to the Hospital for Special Surgery on Monday, coach Tom Coughlin said.
Coughlin never gave a definitive list of who traveled to the Upper East Side of Manhattan for tests, but did joke, "I think we hired a bus to take everyone.” Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was also absent from Monday's practice and could have been another player that went for tests.
Tuck has been battling shoulder soreness (he’s had corrective surgery on the area) while Pierre-Paul has had a back issues. However, neither injury appears to be too serious.
“It’s just a precautionary test to see exactly where he’s at and what needs to be done, so he’s ready to go for the season,” Coughlin said of Tuck’s situation.
Pierre-Paul usually battles some back soreness during training camp, so as of now, there's not too much concern.
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora wasn't in pads on Monday, but did do some limited work. He's been dealing with a swollen knee lately, but prior to Sunday he hadn't missed a practice all preseason.
When asked if Coughlin is concerned about his defensive line depth, the Giants Coach suggested that everything should be fine by the Sept. 5 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
As for Wednesday’s preseason game against the New England Patriots, that’s another story.
“If you’re talking about tomorrow, that’s one thing,” Coughlin said. “But if you’re talking about Wednesday, that’s one thing. If you’re talking about next week, I feel obviously a lot better.”
There's a chance that undrafted defensive ends Matt Broha and Adewale Ojomo as well as former practice squad player Craig Marshall could be the only healthy defensive ends for Wednesday's game.
When asked what Brewer’s injury was, Coughlin said “I’m taking the fifth.”
Brewer did have some back issues earlier in the preseason.
Will Beatty returns to practice: Beatty’s back had kept him out of practice for over a week, but he returned in a limited role on Monday. This doesn’t mean he will play in the opener, but it’s a positive sign.
At one point Beatty was at left tackle and Sean Locklear, who had been filling in on the blind side, slid over to right tackle while David Diehl took a breather.
Ahmad Bradshaw’s swollen hand won’t hold him back: Bradshaw (right hand) expects to be ready to play in the season opener on Sept. 5.
“It ain’t going to be a problem by the time the first game comes,” Bradshaw said on Monday.
Bradshaw originally hurt his hand in the second preseason game. He’s not exactly sure what happened, but he does know the hand swelled up which forced him to end his night early.
Regardless, Bradshaw insists it’s “healing right” and he won’t need to wear anything protective on his right hand when he plays.
Michael Boley tests his hamstring: The last time the veteran weakside linebacker ran, he wasn’t happy with how his sore hamstring felt.
On Monday, however, Boley didn’t feel the same pain, and that has him feeling slightly optimistic.
“This one definitely felt better than the last time I ran,” Boley said.
Boley isn’t sure when he can return, but in the likely event that he’s out on Sept. 5, expect veteran Keith Rivers to start in his place.
Jayron Hosley’s toe improves: The rookie corner also did some running on Monday and said he sees himself playing in the opener.
“That’s what we’re shooting for,” he said. “I think I’ll be ready. I’m confident I’ll be ready.”
Hosley said he’s trying to get some strength back in his right foot/toe for now. He originally hurt his toe in the second preseason game -- a performance that included his 77-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Adrian Tracy’s hamstring feels better, but…: There’s no guarantee that the converted strongside linebacker will win the team’s coveted fourth defensive end role. Dave Tollefson had five sacks in that role last season, and Tracy seemed like a favorite to win the job this year until he injured his hamstring in the second preseason game.
Now Tracy is battling undrafted rookies Matt Broha and Adewale Ojomo for the right to work behind Tuck, Paul and Osi Umenyiora.
“I understand my role and my position on this team with special teams and hopefully being the fourth defensive end if that is in my future, I understand where I fit in with the defensive line room because you know there is a certain chemistry in there,” Tracy said.
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