Concussion will sideline Boss for Colts game Sunday

If Carolina defensive back Sherrod Martin doesn't receive a fine later this week for his hit that left Giants tight end Kevin Boss with a concussion, it will come as a surprise to Boss. Having reviewed the play, it's clear to him Martin lowered his head last Sunday and made helmet-to-helmet contact with the crown of his headgear.

Boss has not been medically cleared to play in the Giants' game Sunday night at Indianapolis, but he appeared in the team's locker room Wednesday to discuss the incident for the first time. "You know, with the new rules that the NFL is trying to put into place, you could look at it as an unnecessary shot," Boss said of Martin's hit. "They're talking about how they're trying to protect defenseless receivers, and I felt like I was pretty defenseless. At the same time, not ever having played that [defensive back] position, I know they're trying to make a play on the ball. It's not something where I'm going to hold a grudge against the guy."

This is the third official concussion of Boss' career, and he's been on the receiving end of a few other heavy blows to the head. Yet, he said he's not worried about the cumulative effects of his head injuries.

"I guess it's in the back of your mind, but to be honest, I don't think I've had real serious concussions or I've blacked out or I can't remember things," Boss said. "Some guys come stumbling off the field and can't remember their own name. Nothing's been that bad."

Boss generally has been symptom free. In fact, he lobbied head trainer Ronnie Barnes in the locker room on Sunday to let him back in the game.

"It was hard for me to listen to them tell me I couldn't go back out there," Boss said. "For them to tell me I can't play this week, as a competitor, it's a tough pill for me to swallow. But I appreciate that they're looking out for me."

Bear Pascoe has been activated from the practice squad, took the majority of reps with the first team in practice and likely will start at tight end ahead of Travis Beckum. The backup isn't as well-suited to a blocking role as the 6-5, 251-pound Pascoe. It's a vital role this week against Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Freeney, in particular, is tough to stop on his speed rush, but Pascoe said, for the most part, he won't have double-team help.

"It's a big challenge for me and Travis both," Pascoe said. "We're coming into a hostile atmosphere where it's loud, and we're really going to have to know our stuff so we can play fast and not have to think about anything and take care of business."