Injuries might hamper Giants on defense
Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Oct. 6, 2013) Credit: AP
The Giants have a new injury concern to add to their already sizable list as they begin a critical stretch of games.
Jason Pierre-Paul did not participate in Saturday's practice because of a shoulder issue. The defensive end is listed as probable for Monday night's game against the Colts, meaning he is likely to play, but the issue represents yet another nick to a key starter. The Giants already are playing the remainder of the season without captains Victor Cruz and Jon Beason and have ruled out running back Rashad Jennings (knee) and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (calf).
Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (back/hamstring) is questionable, giving him a 50-50 chance of playing.
Coach Tom Coughlin and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell have spoken about the difficulty of game-planning without knowing how long their best cornerback will be able to play. Rodgers-Cromartie has not missed any games this season but has been unable to finish any of the last four. He played minimally two weeks ago against the Cowboys.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
