New York Giants practice pool report
By Peter King
Pro Football Writers of America
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS—After practicing the first two days of the New York
Giants’ work week at Super Bowl XLVI, running back Ahmad Bradshaw was
held out of Friday’s practice because his injured right foot “was a
little sore,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said.
“But he’s okay,’’ Coughlin said after the Giants’ 70-minute afternoon
practice at the University of Indianapolis’ practice bubble. “He’ll be
ready. He’ll be listed as probable. In fact, I don’t believe we’ll have
anyone listed as questionable for the game.’’
Running backs Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware took the repetitions against
the Giants’ scout team, simulating the Patriots, during Friday’s
padless drills; the players wore shorts and helmets. Bradshaw was
present, and dressed, but did nothing besides stretch. Coughlin didn’t
seem concerned about Bradshaw’s absence because, as he said, “He got in
two good days of work prior to this. He’s prepared.”
The Giants, as Coughlin said, listed six players as probable. Aside
from Bradshaw, defensive Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee) and
special-teamer/safety Tyler Sash (foot) were limited in practice, while
wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), cornerback Corey Webster
(hamstring) and linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot) practiced fully.
All but Bradshaw and Sash appeared to be running and working without
limitations Friday for the third straight day on the UIndy campus seven
miles south of downtown Indianapolis.
Sash, a sixth-round draft pick from Iowa last April, had his foot
stepped on midway through practice and left the field to have the foot
wrapped. He told the club’s vice president of communications Pat Hanlon
after practice: “I’m okay.”
Coughlin was at his detailed best this week in practice. The Giants
were told Lucas Oil Stadium would have an on-field temperature of 68 to
70 degrees Sunday at the 6:29 p.m. kickoff, so Coughlin directed the
temperature in the bubble be set at 70 each day. “We were able to get a
good sweat going, working in conditions like they’ll have Sunday,’’ the
veteran coach said. “Of course, we didn’t have 60,000 people
watching.’’ To that end, for the third straight day, the Giants had
crowd noise piped into the facility.
“So far this week, we’ve accomplished what we needed to accomplish,’’
Coughlin said. “The players have practiced hard and spirited. I think
we’ll be well-prepared for the game.’’
As he has all week, Nicks caught everything thrown his way. And as he
has all week, Eli Manning threw the ball crisply and with accuracy in
preparation for the game against New England.
Giants players and family members, who arrived Thursday, will be on
their own Friday night with a midnight curfew. Curfew will also be
enforced Saturday night at the club’s downtown Indianapolis hotel at 11
p.m. The Giants will have a jog-through situational practice Saturday
morning, and players will be off during the afternoon. As is the usual
custom for a road game, Coughlin will have 75 minutes of night meetings
and then evening chapel service and a team snack before curfew Saturday.
The Giants’ full management team was on hand to watch Friday’s workout.
Club president and CEO John Mara, who has been present all week, was
joined by chairman and executive vice president Steve Tisch and
treasurer Jonathan Tisch, and multiple family members of the ownership
group were on hand. Also Friday, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, a 2008
Iraq War double-amputee and consistent presence around the team since
he gave the team an inspirational speech in 2008, was on the sidelines.
Several players, including defensive end Justin Tuck, spent time
speaking with Gadson Friday
Thursday Practice Reports: Patriots
-- Giants
Wednesday Practice Reports: Patriots
-- Giants
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