BigBlueInteractive.com Giants-Falcons Game Preview: Our preview of the Giants-Falcons game is now available in the Previews/Reviews section of the website.
Pierce’s Season in Jeopardy Due to Neck Injury: The Giants announced last night that MLB Antonio Pierce has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck and he will be out indefinitely. Pierce hurt his neck in the game against the Arizona Cardinals, but the injury apparently did not bother him much until this week.
“I’m shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon,” said Pierce. “I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn’t think it was that serious. I’m going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible.”
Pierce could miss most – if not all – of the rest of the regular season with the injury. LB Chase Blackburn will likely start in the middle for the Giants on Sunday. LB Jonathan Goff could also see his playing time increase.
Strahan Addresses the Team: Former Giant DE Michael Strahan attended practice yesterday and Head Coach Tom Coughin surprised him by asking him to address the team.
“It was a surprise – I didn’t expect to do it,” said Strahan. “I just came in to see the guys practice. I’m here to watch my first practice since I retired. Coughlin pulled me to the middle of the circle and he stepped back. I’m thinking, ‘What are you stepping back for – you want me to speak?’ He started laughing. So he kind of threw me into it.”
In the team’s daily press release, the Giants said Strahan delivered an impromptu, inspirational, passionate speech. “That’s what I do,” said Strahan. “I’m a motivator. That part will never leave. My whole thing is it’s confidence. Not just confidence in yourself, but confidence in each other. They’re talented, we all know that. They’re as talented as any team in the league. It’s just a matter of believing in their talent and the talent of the guy next to them. If they do that, they’ll be just fine.”
Injury Update: CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) and HB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/foot) practiced again yesterday. Ross is officially listed as “questionable” for the game against the Falcons on Sunday; Bradshaw is “probable.”
“(Ross) is making, as far as I can tell, he is making progress,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He’s a long stretch everyday. When he comes out and runs around he hasn’t been set back that I know of. He hasn’t said a word of that…I would think (he would be a game-time decision).”
“I feel really good,” Ross said. “Out there running this whole week my hamstring stayed very loose. I’m happy. Everything is on the up right now. They’re working me in different spots and right now it’s looking like if I am healthy, I will (play).”
“No (setbacks for Bradshaw), he took plays yesterday and today,” said Coughlin. “He seemed to do okay. He doesn’t get overworked, but he does have his timing plays and that type of thing.”
QB Eli Manning (foot) fully practiced. He is listed as “probable” for the game on Sunday.
Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday Press Conference: The transcript of yesterday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com. The video of the press conference is also available.
Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin’s Corner by Michael Eisen of Giants.com
Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and/or videos of yesterday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:
Article on Linebackers Danny Clark and Clint Sintim: Giants Rookie Leaning On One ‘Cool Dude’ by Vinny DiTrani of The Bergen Record
Article on CB Aaron Ross: NY Giants Cornerback Aaron Ross Ready To Return From Injury No Matter What His Role by Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger
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