Hit in practice could sideline Jason Pierre-Paul
Jason Pierre-Paul's time on the field on defense has grown in recent weeks and that's a trend that figures to continue, considering the praise he's been receiving from the coaching staff. (Sept. 2, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
The absence of Jason Pierre-Paul on the practice field Friday quickly drew the attention of the Giants, a team depleted by injuries. The second-year defensive end did not practice because of what was described as concussion-related symptoms stemming from a helmet-to-helmet collision with a teammate Thursday.
What the team initially had declared a neck injury drew concern Friday when Pierre-Paul, fifth in the NFL in sacks (81/2), complained of a headache.
"We put him through all the tests for a possible concussion and we'll see how that goes," Tom Coughlin said of Pierre-Paul, who is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
The Giants' coach said he "didn't think anything of" the collision, but "then all of a sudden, he was off to the side. He didn't feel real good, so they shut him right down."
Pierre-Paul has joined an ever-growing list of game-day decisions for the Giants, who won't be at full strength when they face Tom Brady & Co. in Foxboro. It remains to be seen if Hakeem Nicks' right hamstring will be loose enough to give it a go Sunday, and it remains unclear whether fullback Henry Hynoski (neck) and cornerback Prince Amukamara (foot) will play. Nicks is listed as doubtful; Hynoski and Amukamara are questionable.
And, of course, there's the issue of Ahmad Bradshaw's health. The running back is listed as doubtful after not practicing because of a stress fracture in his right foot. According to Coughlin, he has to "do some improving" before being given the opportunity to play Sunday. For now, surgery is off the table, Coughlin said.
"The surgical screw is fine," he said. "That part is not the problem. It is in that area, but it is not on top of the screw or anything to do with that. That screw doesn't have to come out."
Several defensive players said they believe Bradshaw's potential absence will put more pressure on them to contain Brady. The depth at defensive line -- once a strength at the start of the season -- now has been worn thin by a rash of injuries. But the unit has persevered, helping the Giants to a 5-2 record despite the absence at times of key players such as Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck.
"We don't make any excuses," defensive tackle Chris Canty said. "Nobody's going to feel sorry for us . . . Adversity is not new for our defense."
Said Mathias Kiwanuka: "It won't be a major issue like everybody thinks."
The loss of Pierre-Paul, a 6-5, 270-pound lineman who has recorded at least one sack in five games this season, is "huge,'' defensive back Deon Grant said.
"But the good thing about it is we still got them dogs up front,'' Grant said. "If you know anything about this defense, even our backup guys are starters . . . It's going to be a major loss, but we're still in a good position."
Said Umenyiora: "He's a big part of our team, but we're just going to have to keep on rolling."
