Tuck, Nicks highlight players that ‘may or may not’ play in preseason opener:
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to ‘back tightness’. Head coach Tom Coughlin hopes that Tuck will be able to play in New York’s preseason opener at Pittsburgh on Saturday night, but added his condition needs to improve a little.
Tuck said if it were a regular season game the Notre Dame alum would play, saying “I’ve played through worse pain before”.
Hakeem Nicks has had a tough time staying on the field in the early going of camp. Nicks, groin, ran full speed during the team’s individual drills and they did not have 11-on-11 reps today. Coughlin said he wasn’t sure about his reps for Saturday against the Steelers.
Cornerback Terrell Thomas, activated from the PUP list on Tuesday has yet to take part in full team drills. Thomas is attempting to return from multiple surgeries on his right ACL that kept him out for the last two years.
Thomas (hamstring) and Chris Snee (hip) are both out Saturday with Coughlin not saying if either will travel with the team.
Justin Pugh (concussion) is expected to be cleared for next week.
Cooper Taylor (hamstring), James Brewer (concussion) and Ryan Torain (concussion) did not practice Thursday and are all likely to be out.
Offensive Lineman Brandon Mosley to step up at right guard:
After a litany of injuries to the offensive line — Brewer and Pugh with concussions — and veteran Chris Snee being taken off the PUP list following offseason hip surgery, utility lineman Brandon Mosley will get the start at right guard on Saturday.
“He occasionally suffers from a lack of experience when something new confronts him. He’s been impressive. He’s a tough kid. He’s battling,” Coughlin said.
Mosley was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list following the second preseason game last year with an ankle injury. A fourth-round pick in 2012 from Auburn, Mosley took the first and second team reps after Brewer left with a concussion.
Nassib expected to get big reps in first preseason game:
Coughlin said Thursday that he expects all four quarterbacks to get snaps Saturday, but expect many to go to rookie Ryan Nassib.
David Carr said Nassib will get his share of reps.
“He’s gotten a lot of reps in training camp so far. You kind of get a feel for how it’s going to shakedown,” Carr said.
Nassib’s first NFL game will take place in his home state of Pennsylvania. He’ll have a few family and friends at Heinz Field — a stadium where the Syracuse grad has some experience from his ACC days.
Nassib has never won at Heinz field. He entered the game to start the second half against Pittsburgh on November 7, 2009. The first play of the third quarter he was picked off by the Panthers Jarred Holley. The Orange lost 37-10. On December 3, 2011 Nassib tied a school record for passing touchdowns in a single season (22), but had four turnovers — two of which were on back-to-back drives late that put the game out of reach. The Orange lost 33-20.
Cox, Scott battle for third running back slot:
There’s an interesting battle brewing between rookie running back Michael Cox and third-year back Da’Rel Scott.
Following the concussion by Ryan Torain suffered Tuesday, both Cox and Scott’s snaps have increased — with Cox jumping out with more explosive plays in practice and offering more versatility.
Cox has proved early on to be a dependable blocker in the backfield, a must for any third-down back, and shown he can handle special teams duties as well.
Scott, at 5’11 / 210 pounds, was drafted out of Maryland in 2011 to be a “Willie Parker” back that has speed and power as GM Jerry Reese said. He did not play in 2012 after being place on season-ending IR with a knee injury.
In the 2011 NFL Combine he posted a 4.35 40-time, the fastest time for running backs.
