Giants knew ban was possible for DT Kennedy

The Giants knew that Jimmy Kennedy was facing a possible suspension when they signed him in August, Tom Coughlin said Wednesday.

Kennedy, a nine-year veteran who spent parts of the last three seasons in Minnesota, was suspended four games beginning this week for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

"We knew about it," Coughlin said. "We talked about it when he first came here and we were very much aware of the [appeals] process that took place . . . This was an upcoming event that had taken place and he was going to have his opportunity to go before the league."

While it's unclear when Kennedy might have failed a test, the league generally takes its time before suspending players, giving them due process and appeals. The lockout this summer slowed Kennedy's process even further.

The Giants did not make a roster move to replace Kennedy on their 53-man roster Wednesday.

Giant steps

For the first time since fracturing a bone in his foot in early August, rookie CB Prince Amukamara participated in some team drills during practice Wednesday . . . C David Baas (neck) returned to practice but was limited. G Chris Snee (concussion) did not practice, so Kevin Boothe, who started in place of Baas on Sunday, could move to guard this week . . . FB Henry Hynoski (neck) did not practice. He suffered a burner Sunday on a play in which he said he "busted" his shoulder pads. "I'm happy," the rookie fullback said. "It means I'm hitting hard," . . . S Kenny Phillips was fined $20,000 by the NFL for an illegal hit on Seahawks TE Zach Miller. He said he will appeal.