Boley able to practice
Giants linebacker Michael Boley could be on track to start against Green Bay. (undated file photo) Credit: Jon Winslow
Michael Boley was able to practice with the Giants for the first time since he injured his hamstring nearly three weeks ago and said he believes he is on course to play Sunday against the Packers.
"They've been clowning me all day: 'Look at the new guy. We've got a new guy in the huddle,' " Boley said. "It's pretty fun."
The Giants have not won a game since Boley left late in the second quarter of the loss to the 49ers Nov. 13. He emerged as one of the most important players on defense at the start of the season, making all of the calls and checks and not missing a snap until he was hurt. Now, with the season on the verge of spiraling out of control, he appears ready to return.
Boley still hasn't "opened it up" though; his role in practice was taking a few reps in some drills. He did say, however, that getting through the day was "a big relief."
Got to practice to play
Ahmad Bradshaw had said he wasn't planning on practicing this week and was hoping to save himself for his first game in a month on Sunday. But Tom Coughlin put the kibosh on that idea Thursday.
"He's going to have to practice," Coughlin said. If Bradshaw can make it through Friday's workout without a setback to the cracked bone in his right foot, he'll likely be available for Sunday's game. Giant steps
Coughlin said LB Mark Herzlich (ankle) will not play Sunday . . . Because all of the numbers in the 50s are taken and his old number 57 is now worn by rookie Jacquian Williams, LB Chase Blackburn has to wear 93. "If LT would let me wear 56, I'd wear 56," he said . . . T Stacy Andrews took his first snaps at left tackle against the Saints during the final drive and said it felt "natural" to him.
With Kimberley A. Martin
