Injury Update – Dockery Returns to the Sidelines, Webster May Start and Depth a Huge Concern: CB Kevin Dockery (hip flexor) apparently suffered a setback and did not practice yesterday after practicing on a limited basis on Wednesday. Not practicing again were OC Shaun O’Hara (knee), CB Sam Madison (abdomen), and LB Kawika Mitchell (knee).
When asked about Dockery, Head Coach Tom Coughlin responded, "He did not do anything except work on the side. But what he did on the side was fairly impressive. So I’ll have to see (Friday) morning."
"If I’m not comfortable that I can do everything I need to, I won’t be out there," Dockery said. "But I’m not real concerned."
Making matters worse is that The Star-Ledger is reporting that CB Sam Madison actually has a pulled muscle in his rib cage and experiences "tremendous" pain even when he coughs or laughs. If Madison and Dockery can’t play, CB Corey Webster will start. The only backups would be R.W. McQuarters and Geoffrey Pope.
At weakside linebacker, despite not practicing all week, Mitchell remains optimistic. "(On Wednesday) I had a little workout and it was encouraging,” said Mitchell. "Right now we’re just day-to-day. If I get one good day of work in, I think I’ll be alright."
WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) and DE Dave Tollefson (concussion) were limited in practice.
Practicing fully again were HB Ahmad Bradshaw (calf) and WR Sinorice Moss (back).
Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Thursday Press Conference: The transcript of yesterday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com. The audio of the press conference is also available.
Media Q&A with Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride: The transcript of yesterday’s media session with Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride is available at Giants.com. The video of the media session is also available.
Media Q&A with Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo: The transcript of yesterday’s media session with Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is available at Giants.com. The video of the media session is also available.
Player Media Q&A Sessions: The transcripts and/or video from yesterday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:
- DE Osi Umenyiora (Video)
- DE Michael Strahan (Video)
- LB Antonio Pierce (Video)
- LB Kawika Mitchell (Video)
- LB Gerris Wilkinson (Video)
- FS Gibril Wilson (Video)
- TE Kevin Boss (Video)
Article on Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo:
- Giants Credit Spagnuolo for Turning Around Defense by Arthur Staple of Newsday
- Under Spagnuolo, Giants Give Grudgingly by David Picker of The New York Times
Articles on Giants’ Rookies:
- Fortune Rookies by Bart Hubbach of The New York Post
- Pressure Will Be on Giants’ Rookies by Brian Heyman of The Journal News
Article on QB Eli Manning: Moment is Right for Eli by Gary Myers of The Daily News
Article on DE Michael Strahan: Ring is the Only Thing Giants’ Strahan Lacks by Barbara Barker of Newsday
Notes and Quotes: The Buccaneers lifted their ticket ban on non-Florida residents after pressure from the New York State legislature.
RG Chris Snee on Buccaneers’ CB Ronde Barber’s preference to play the Giants over other teams in the playoffs: "They wanted us, we’re coming."
CB Ronde Barber on QB Eli Manning: "He can be had, we know that. Just look at his percentages. At the end of the day, your numbers don’t lie."
WR Plaxico Burress on Barber: "I like Ronde. He’s a good guy. But hey, I’d be worried about No.17 more than I’d be worried about No. 10."
Want to See the Giants in Tampa Bay?: If you are interested in Giants-Buccaneers playoff tickets. Check out TicketCity.com.
.gif)