December 30, 2011 New York Giants Injury Report

December 30, 2011 New York Giants Injury Report – Ballard Out: TE Jake Ballard (knee) and LB Mark Herzlich (ankle) did not practice yesterday. Both have been officially ruled out of the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” said Ballard. “Sitting out last weekend was really tough. I thought there could be a chance I would get back for this game, but it hasn’t turned out that way. This is a playoff game for us. We have to win to get in. It’s killing me right now (not playing). Sitting and watching practice all week was driving me crazy.”

“I’m definitely making progress,” Ballard said. “They said it’s a two-week injury and I’m right at almost two weeks. The team just has to take care of the Cowboys and hopefully I’ll play next week.”

Herzlich not only has a high ankle sprain, but apparently a chip in the bone as well. “Hopefully, we get the win (against Dallas) and I’ll be able to help contribute going forward,” said Herzlich.

HB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring), WR Mario Manningham (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) practiced on a limited basis. Umenyiora is officially “questionable” while the other three players are “probable” for the game.

“(Nicks) did alright. He did okay,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He practiced well for a Friday, did well, moved around well…I don’t want to game plan around any of that stuff. I want to let him play. Let him play the game…I’m confident he’s going to give it all he’s got. He wants to play in the worst way.”

“I did a few reps each period (in practice),” said Nicks. “I did some cuts, in and out, burst a little bit. It’s a matter of me knowing it’s there, but it wasn’t limiting me at all…I pushed to where I would at least have an idea where I would be on certain routes and certain plays. There weren’t any setbacks…I’m confident I’ll get the job done.”

WFAN Interview with Head Coach Tom Coughlin: The audio of yesterday’s WFAN interview with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at CBSNewYork.com.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday Press Conference: The transcript and video of yesterday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: The transcript of this week’s Giants.com Q&A with Head Coach Tom Coughlin is available at Giants.com.

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

• HB Ahmad Bradshaw (Video)
• WR Hakeem Nicks (Video)
• OC David Baas (Video)
• CB Prince Amukamara (Video)

Article on the 2011 New York Giants: Giants’ Newer Players Want to Know the Feeling of Postseason by Jorge Castillo of The Star-Ledger

Article on HB Ahmad Bradshaw: ‘Bulldog’ Bradshaw Eager to Sink Teeth Into Dallas by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on OC David Baas: Baas Ready for Blitzing Cowboys by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on DE Osi Umenyiora: Umenyiora Preparing to Return for Finale by Mark Viera of The New York Times

Article on Former Giant LB Lawrence Taylor: Lawrence Taylor: Giants Should Win by Ian O’Connor of ESPNNewYork.com