Giants' backfield getting thinner as Ware sits
Photo credit: Getty Images | Giants running back DJ Ware sat out Wednesday's practice with a concussion. (November 26, 2009)
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Week 12: Broncos 26, Giants 6
Running back or safety?
That's the decision the Giants will have to make this week, determining where they need more immediate help for Sunday's all-in game against the Cowboys.
They've had an opening on their 53-man roster since Monday evening, when Antonio Pierce was placed on injured reserve, a vacancy that usually would have been filled by now. But the team is waiting to see how some injured players come along during the week before signing anyone.
The players who are most integral to the decision are running back Ahmad Bradshaw and safety Michael Johnson. Neither practiced Wednesday, nursing injuries that leave the Giants thin at both spots. A source confirmed that the Giants are waiting to see if either makes progress toward playing on Sunday before a roster decision is made.
If one seems like a better shot to play, the Giants will likely sign a player at the other position.
The Giants already have ruled one of their running backs out for Sunday's game. DJ Ware, who suffered a concussion against the Broncos last Thursday, will not play.
"I know they're going to go very cautiously," Tom Coughlin said of Ware's recovery. "It's strictly medical. When they clear him, then he's ready to go."
Bradshaw missed the Broncos game with a sprained left ankle after working through ankle and foot injuries on his right side for most of the season. He was in a boot and on crutches last week, but Wednesday, although he did not practice, he was not wearing any protective shield on either foot. Coughlin said the team is "keeping our fingers crossed" for Bradshaw to be able to play Sunday.
If he can't, the only regular running back available would be Brandon Jacobs. The Giants also have rookie Gartrell Johnson, who split reps with Jacobs in practice Wednesday. Johnson was picked up off waivers earlier in the season in part to fill the gap created when Ware dislocated his elbow. Johnson had six carries against the Chiefs and five carries against the Raiders, both in mop-up duties of Giants blowouts.
"I'm a lot more comfortable in the offense now," Johnson said. "Things are just flowing, and everything is going smooth. I'm just ready to get under the lights."
The other position of concern is safety, where starter Michael Johnson is dealing with a groin injury suffered last Thursday. That leaves C.C. Brown, who has had a less than auspicious season, and Aaron Rouse at the position. The Giants also have been working cornerback Aaron Ross at safety.
If the Giants decide that they can get by with the running backs they already have, they could promote one of two defensive backs on their practice squad. That would buy them some time in analyzing the injuries but also allow them to have either Sha'reff Rashad or Vince Anderson work with the regular defense in practice. The Giants do not have any running backs on their practice squad, and when they held workouts for eight potential free agents on Tuesday, none of them were running backs.
Notes & quotes: Injured players who participated in practice included LB Michael Boley, who wrenched his back against the Broncos, WR Derek Hagan (hamstring) and QB Eli Manning (foot) . . . Tiki Barber will be among a group of Giants from the early 2000s who will serve as honorary captains on Sunday, even though he's been critical of the team during his career as a broadcaster. "Tiki Barber is an all-time great Giant,'' VP of communications Pat Hanlon said. "No words can change that fact. His effort and performance speak for itself." . . . Pierce (neck) will remain around the team despite being on injured reserve. He attended some meetings and practice Wednesday.
With Neil Best
