Giants finally practice with full defense - mostly
For the first time since the start of training camp, the Giants had their defense on the field for a regular practice Wednesday. Their full defense. True, Kenny Phillips and Jay Alford are still on injured reserve and out for the season. But every defender on the active roster was participating, including cornerback Aaron Ross.
And it couldn't have come at a better time for the Giants.
"You've got that influx of new energy," defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said of having the full unit together. "You have guys coming back from the bye week and you have the guys who haven't been playing much. We're in a good spot."
The return of some players the Giants were counting on to make big impressions this season - Ross, Michael Boley, Chris Canty, the latter two who played two weeks ago - is certainly boosting morale. But it should also make a big difference on the field Sunday against the Falcons. The Giants are much closer to a defense that they drew up during the offseason than they have been since, well, since they drew it up in the offseason.
"It better help on the field," Kiwanuka said. "We know that it will, we just have to get the job done now . . . . All we're focused on is getting a win no matter how we do it."
Turner 'day-to-day'
Falcons running back Michael Turner, who suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday, did not practice Wednesday but coach Mike Smith said he is "day-to-day" and did not rule him out for the game against the Giants. Neither did Turner.
"I don't have a time frame on the injury," Turner told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I'm not going to count myself out right now. It's only Wednesday."
Giant steps
Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/foot) was the only Giant who did not practice, but it appeared that he was not wearing a protective boot . . . Tom Coughlin said LB Clint Sintim will continue to get snaps at strong side linebacker . . . The visiting team has won the last 12 meetings, the longest such streak in NFL history . . . The Giants will host a food drive before the game on Sunday.
