Jerry Reese Defends His Plan; Osi Umenyiora May Return to Practice Next Week

by | Aug 12, 2011 | News and Notes

General Manager Jerry Reese’s Thursday Press Conference: The transcript and video of yesterday’s press conference with General Manager Jerry Reese is available at Giants.com.

Osi Umenyiora May Return to Practice Next Week: According to DE Osi Umenyiora’s agent, Umenyiora’s visit with the knee specialist in Atlanta went well and Umenyiora has been cleared to practice. Umenyiora has a meniscus issue in his right knee. The specialist in Atlanta reportedly made some recommendations and will consult with the Giants’ medical staff on what kind of practice plan Umenyiora can handle.

Cutting to the chase, the specialist basically supported the position of the Giants’ team doctors. Umenyiora’s knee does not require immediate surgery. “We were hoping it would be the same recommendation the Giants gave us,’’ said Umenyiora’s agent. “I think you’re always happy about that.”

According to press reports, the Giants and Umenyiora’s agent are still in discussions about possibly adding some playing incentives to Umenyiora’s contract which has two years left on it.

Injury Report: Missing practice yesterday were TE/H-Back Travis Beckum (hamstring), WR Sam Giguere (groin), OC Jim Cordle (knee), LB Clint Sintim (knee), CB Prince Amukamara (foot), CB Joe Burnett (hamstring), and S/CB Brian Jackson (back).

WR Domenik Hixon, who practices every other day to protect his surgically-repaired knee, did not practice. Hixon will play against the Panthers on Saturday night.

Both WR Ramses Barden (ankle) and OC Adam Koets (knee) remain on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List.

“I’m working as hard as I can and to be back as fast as I can,” said Barden, who is coming off two surgeries on his left ankle. “And I imagine it’ll be fairly soon, but I can’t put a timeline on it.”

Coach Media Q&As: The transcripts and video of yesterday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

Player Media Q&As: The transcripts and video of yesterday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Editorial on General Manager Jerry Reese: Giants Had Better Hope General Manager Jerry Reese’s Plan is the Right One by Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger

Article on Ex-Giant WR Steve Smith: No Chance for Steve Smith by Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com