Osi Umenyiora Named “NFC Defensive Player of the Month”: DE Osi Umenyiora has been named “NFC Defensive Player of the Month” for his performance in the month of October.
In four games last month, Umenyiora accrued 18 tackles, 7 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. In three consecutive games, Umenyiora had multiple-sack efforts. He also forced two fumbles in each of those three games.
“It is well earned,” Head Coach Tom Coughlin said. “He has played very well. He has played well against the pass, against the run. He has been great from an attitude standpoint; outstanding with his teammates. He has enjoyed playing. He is having a lot of fun doing that. And I think that has been a real encouragement to his fellow teammates. He enjoys the success of others. He has played very well and he is very deserving of this honor.”
Umenyiora is the first Giant to win the “NFC Defensive Player of the Month” award since DE Michael Strahan in October 2001 – nine years ago. Other Giants to win the award include LB Lawrence Taylor (October 1986, September 1989), CB Jason Sehorn (December 1997), and LB Jessie Armstead (October 1999).
Injury Update: OC Shaun O’Hara (foot), OT Will Beatty (foot), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), and DE Dave Tollefson (illness) did not practice yesterday. Hedgecock was back on the sidelines after being “limited” on Wednesday.
When asked if Hedgecock suffered a setback, Head Coach Tom Coughin responded, “Yeah, he did. He said it is not as bad as the first time. But he did have a problem. He caught a ball in the flat (on Wednesday) – went to turn and felt it and that was it.”
“I felt a pop in my leg, same spot, so I knew exactly what happened,” said Hedgecock. “It’s frustrating. You go out there and it happens again.”
RT Kareem McKenzie (illness) and DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) returned to practice. McKenzie practiced fully and Umenyiora was limited.
LB Gerris Wilkinson (hand) practiced fully again.
Article on TE Kevin Boss: Boss Catching Cold as Blocking Heats Up by Mark Hale of The New York Post
Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Pierre-Paul Improves by Leaps and Bounds by Aditi Kinkhabwala of The Wall Street Journal
