So much for a speedy return to health for Rashad Jennings. The Giants’ top running back will miss yet another game after coach Tom Coughlin ruled him out for Monday night’s showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.
“It’s not a matter of if I want to play,” Jennings said Thursday. “I’m dealing with reality, and the reality is I’m not ready.”
Jennings has missed the last two games, ever since spraining the MCL in his left knee back in Week 5. He’d expressed optimism at his chances of returning after the Week 8 bye, but progress has been far slower. On Thursday, he did not participate in practice, instead doing drills with a trainer, dragging a weighted sled as he continued to rebuild strength in his knee.
Jennings still doesn’t have a timetable for his return, and the Giants’ rushing attack has struggled in his absence. The Giants are averaging a paltry 95 rushing yards per game in their two outings without Jennings, both of which have been losses.
JPP FEELING LUCKY
The Indianapolis Colts will arrive in MetLife Stadium with football’s best offense and a quarterback in Andrew Luck who is on pace to throw for more than 5,000 yards and 44 TDs.
But Jason Pierre-Paul doesn’t mind, because he believes this Giants ‘D’ can shut the Colts down. After all, he reminded everyone, when the Falcons came to MetLife in Week 5, they boasted the NFL’s top-rated attack, too.
“I think it gives us a great shot to prove to the world what our defense is capable of,” JPP said. “When Atlanta came in, they were No. 1 and we rose to the challenge. Everybody’s going to be surprised when we win, but at the end of the day, we know what we’re capable of. WE’re going to rise to the expectation that everybody wants us to be at.”
Linebacker Jameel McClain added that the Giants don’t need a fancy plan to handle Luck – or any of the tough QBs on their upcoming schedule. A visit to Super Bowl champ Seattle and dangerous Russell Wilson and a home date against 49ers dual-threat Colin Kaepernick also loom.
The plan?
“We’ve got to do this crazy thing once again, man: We’ve got to play defense,” McClain said. “We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game. No mistakes. None of that. It sounds so simple and it’s something that we have to complete as a defensive unit, myself to everyone else.”
SCHWARTZ TOES THE FIELD
Guard Geoff Schwartz, who is on short-term injured reserve with a toe injury, practiced once again Thursday, but don’t expect him to be activated this week. The team is proceeding slowly with its prized free agent.
“He’s going to go through individual, and then we’ll spoon-feed him in there,” Coughlin said. “No doubt on the scout side of the ball first.”
INJURY NOTES
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (back/hamstring) was limited in practice, as was P Steve Weatherford (ankle). DT Cullen Jenkins (calf) did not practice, although he did drills off to the side . . . In Indianapolis, top Colts CB Vontae Davis (knee) was a full practice participant. Former Giant Ahmad Bradshaw sat out. Bradshaw’s listed injury? Rest.
