Prince Amukamara returns to Giants practice
PRINCE AMUKAMARA, cornerback
Amukamara was carted off the field during a preseason game against the Bears on Aug. 24 after suffering what was later diagnosed as a mild ankle sprain. Credit: Getty Images
Prince Amukamara practiced Monday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in the preseason, a good sign that the second-year cornerback will be able to play Sunday against the Bucs and avert a crisis at a position thinned by injuries. In fact, both Amukamara and Michael Coe, who had to leave the opener with a hamstring injury, could be available.
"I feel good," said Amukamara, who began running Sunday. "I'm not running how I'm used to, but I still feel good out there."
Coe, meanwhile, did not practice Monday but expects to later this week.
"I ran about 75 to 80 percent [full speed yesterday]," he said. "I was able to do everything and backpedal and change and do some of those things, so I feel good about it."
The big 10
The Giants will have to improve their disappointing running game against a Bucs team that held the Panthers to just 10 rushing yards Sunday. "That's impressive," guard Kevin Boothe said. "That definitely raises eyebrows around the league."
The Giants had 82 rushing yards against Dallas, but 33 of them came on one play. They averaged just 2.7 yards on their other 18 carries and were unable to score on first-and-goal from the 1. Last year, the Giants finished last in the NFL in rushing with 89.2 yards per game.
Giant steps
DT Marvin Austin (back) practiced and is hoping to be cleared to play. If he does, it will be his first NFL game and first "real" game in almost three years. He was suspended his senior season at North Carolina and on IR as a rookie in 2011 . . . S Kenny Phillips (back) did not practice but Tom Coughlin expects him to participate Wednesday.
