Giants Injury Update: Justin Tuck Says He'll Play Against Miami

After missing the past two games with groin and neck injuries, New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck was adamant Monday that the streak would stop there. Following the Giants' 27-24 win against Buffalo on Sunday, Tuck promised reporters he would play in New York's Week 8 home game against Miami.

"Look into my eyes," Tuck said. "I'm playing against Miami."

With the Giants officially taking a break for their bye week on Thursday, the team's other injured players will also get a chance to rest up before the Dolphins game. The Giants might be able to get cornerback Prince Amukamara (foot), wide receiver Ramses Barden and offensive lineman Adam Koets onto the field for the first time this season. Barden and Koets are both on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, Barden with an ankle issue and Koets with a knee injury.

"Those decisions are made on a daily basis by all of us," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "We'll just continue to monitor their progress in the next week and see where it is. I don't know exactly when those individuals will be cleared. Hopefully we'll be in a position where they're ready to go." 

-- Visit Big Blue View for complete Giants coverage.

Giants Can Enjoy Bye Week As NFC East Leaders

-- The schedule toward the end of the season for the Giants is very difficult, making Sunday's victory over Buffalo an important one.

Fred Jackson and Ryan Fitzpatrick Talk Bills Loss To Giants

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and running back Fred Jackson have been having career years this season leading the team to a 4-1 start. Unfortunately, they ran into the the New York Giants defense and weren't able to come away with a win Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. 

First the reaction from Fitzpatrick, who is incredibly disappointed in coming away with a loss heading into the bye week:

Your reaction and what did you think was the difference?

"It sucks. This is one of the hardest parts about playing quarterback, when you don't get the job done and today I didn't get the job done. You know the two interceptions I threw, you couldn't ask for a better coverage, couldn't ask for a better play, couldn't ask for a better route. They were both the exact same thing with basically Stevie on a go route. I want to give credit to Corey Webster. He made plays on both of them. That being said, I feel Stevie beat him and I underthrew both of them. You know, it's hard, we got two chances to win and Stevie's on a go on both chances I would have said we'll win 100 percent of the time. And it didn't happen today and it's something I'll have to live with and work on and all that, but it's tough to look all the other guys in the face but that's what you have to do as a quarterback and a leader and you have to be able to move on from that."

You are 4-2 going into your bye. A quick analysis. You have to feel pretty good?

"I probably can’t answer that one today because I don’t feel pretty good right now. You know, a lot of it those plays, it’s just hard for me. To throw to my go-to guy, the guy I’ve hit on the same exact route 100 times and to not do it twice, that’s just hard for me."

Jackson has a contrasting opinion from his quarterback. He is disappointed in the loss but is optimistic at the team's performance headed into the off week:

Your reaction now , did you think you were going to win there?

"Yeah, definitely. We feel like we can move the ball against anybody. We had that opportunity, we just didn’t finish it. You know, give them credit. They made a play when they had to and they got the victory today."

You feel good about where you guys are after six weeks?

"Without a doubt. We feel like we are on track to be where we want to be, where we expect to be. We look at the two losses that we have as games we should have won, just didn’t finish them. But again, we are on track to be where we want to be. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are excited."

Giants 27, Bills 24: Quick Reaction

Here is some quick reaction to the New York Giants’ 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

It Was Over When …

Giants’ defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul batted down a fourth-down pass by Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick with 59 seconds left and the Giants clinging to a 27-24 lead. The Giants then ran out the clock.

Turning Point Of The Game

With the score tied, 24-24, Buffalo drove the ball from their own 26 to the Giants’ 27-yard-line. Fitzpatrick tried to hit Stevie Johnson streaking down the left side, but the ball was underthrown and Corey Webster intercepted for the Giants at the four-yard-line. Rather than being down by a touchdown with four minutes to play, the Giants remained tied, and then drove for the game-winning field goal.

Three Stars

- Webster was locked in an intense battle with Johnson all day. He surrendered one touchdown pass, but came away with two critical second-half interceptions.

- Ahmad Bradshaw carried 26 times for 104 yards and three touchdowns. With Brandon Jacobs sidelined, Bradshaw carried the load. The result was the Giants’ first 100-yard rushing performance of the season.

- Jake Ballard caught five passes for 81 yards for the Giants. That’s a career-best in both departments for Ballard, who is supposed to be primarily a blocker but has become a weapon in the Giants’ passing attack.

Three Good Stats

- Bradshaw’s 104 yards rushing is the Giants’ first 100-yard game of the season. It took him 26 carries, but the Giants stuck with the run and got some good things done.

- Zero turnovers. In fact, the Giants intercepted Fitzpatrick twice to end up +2 on the day. That was huge since Buffalo was +11 in takeaway/giveaway ratio entering the game.

- Steve Weatherford’s 52.7-yard average per punt, and the resulting 43.7-yard net average.

Three Bad Stats

- The Giants gave up two long plays for touchdowns — an 80-yard run by Fred Jackson and a 60-yard pass to Naaman Roosevelt.

- The Giants surrendered 155 yards rushing, and allowed Buffalo to average 6.7 yards per rushing play. Much of that did come on Jackson’s 80-yard run, of course.

- The Giants had one field goal blocked. That nearly proved costly, and it has been a problem for New York since the preseason.

Giants-Bills Final Score: New York Edges Buffalo, 27-24

Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns as the New York Giants edged the Buffalo Bills, 27-24, Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Both teams are 4-2 on the season.

The victory. combined with Philadelphia’s 20-13 victory over the Washington Redskins, put the Giants into sole possession of first place in the NFC East.

SB Nation’s Complete NFL Coverage

With the score tied, 24-24, Buffalo drove the ball to the New York 27-yard line, but Giants’ cornerback Corey Webster intercepted Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick at the four-yard line. It was Webster’s second interception of the game.

After a penalty against Buffalo, the Giants took possession at their 19-yard line with 4:02 remaining. They drove the ball all the way to Buffalo’s one-yard-line before settling for a 23-yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes with 1:35 remaining, giving them their winning margin, 27-24.

The Bills took possession at the 20-yard line. On fourth-and-five from the 25-yardline Jason Pierre-Paul batted down Fitzpatrick’s pass, securing the victory for the Giants.

The games was tied at the half, 17-17. Buffalo scored in the first half on an 80-yard run by Fred Jackson, a 60-yard pass to Naaman Roosevelt and a 49-yard field goal by Ryan Lindell.

The Giants got a pair of one-yard runs from Bradshaw and a 26-yard field goal by Tynes.

Manning finished the game 21-of-23 for 292 yards for the Giants, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Fitzpatrick went 21-of-30 for 244 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Giants have a bye next week, then return to action against the Miami Dolphins.

Giants Vs. Bills Halftime Score: Giants 17, Bills 17

The New York Giants and Buffalo Bills have reached halftime of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon tied, 17-17.

Buffalo scored first-quarter touchdowns on a pair of long plays, an 80-yard run by Fred Jackson and a 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt. Buffalo added a 49-yard field goal by Ryan Lindell in the closing minute of the first half.

The Giants scored touchdowns on a pair of one-yard runs by Ahmad Bradshaw. The first concluded a nine-play, 69-yard drive. The second a five-play, 89-yard drive that included a 60-yard pass from Eli Manning to Hakeem Nicks. The Giants also got a 26-yard field goal from Lawrence Tynes.

For the Giants, Manning is 13-of-20 for 211 yards. Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Bills is 8-for-10 for 114 yards and a touchdown. Jackson has 107 yards rushing for Buffalo already on just 10 carries.

Buffalo will get the ball to begin the second half.

Bills (4-1) At Giants (3-2): Game Time, TV, Radio Information

Bills @ Giants: Shawne Merriman Ruled Out with Achilles Injury

According to ESPN Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Shawne Merriman has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. This comes as no surprise since Merriman was already listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report.

Merriman's Achilles flared up during Thursday's practice, and he was held out of Friday's practice altogether.

Merriman said Friday he didn't think the injury was significant ...

Merriman finished last season on injured reserve because of a nagging injury to his right tendon.

Merriman has nine tackles and one sack in five games this season.

The Bills will also be without linebacker Chris Kelsay, who's out with a calf injury. With Merriman and Kelsay sidelined with injuries the Bills will have only two healthy outside linebackers for the Giants game. 

-- For complete coverage of the Giants and Bills check out our Giants blog Big Blue View and Bills blog Buffalo Rumblings. Our preview of the game can be found here.

Bills At Giants: When New York Has The Ball

(Sports Network) – Though Eli Manning (1486 passing yards, 11 TD, 5 INT) had a rough day last week, he’s been good more often than not over the course of this season. The highly- scrutinized quarterback enters Sunday’s tilt third among signal-callers in yards per attempt (9.1) and fifth in passer rating (102.3), and did put up 420 yards and three touchdowns in spite of his four-turnover game against Seattle. He’ll once again be working with a talented group of receivers led by the physical Hakeem Nicks (28 receptions, 412 yards, 3 TD), who showcased his skills with a 10-catch, 162-yard output against Arizona two weeks back, while counterpart Victor Cruz (19 receptions, 386 yards, 3 TD) has also emerged as a dangerous weapon as of late. The undrafted second-year pro has notched at least 98 receiving yards in three straight games, highlighted by a career-best eight- catch, 161-yard breakthrough in the Seattle loss, and is averaging a splendid 20.3 yards per grab on the year. Tight end Jake Ballard (10 receptions, 2 TD) has made a recent contribution as well, with the massive 275-pounder hauling in a touchdown reception in two straight weeks and providing an unforeseen downfield threat. The Giants’ greatest problems on offense have been in running the football, as the team ranks just 28th in rushing yards (83.8 ypg) and is averaging a subpar 3.2 yards per carry, the second-lowest mark in the league. With noted bruiser Brandon Jacobs (116 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 3 total TD) possibly out a second consecutive game with a swollen knee, lead back Ahmad Bradshaw (286 rushing yards, 17 receptions, 3 total TD) will be called upon to handle the majority of the work on Sunday.

The Bills have given up yards in bunches this season, with the team’s last four foes all surpassing over 450 total yards, but their 30th-rated defense (421.8 ypg) has compensated by being incredibly opportunistic. Buffalo has garnered a league-best 12 interceptions, with standout strong safety George Wilson (47 tackles, 5 PD) leading the way with three picks in addition to being the club’s top tackler, and has scored a defensive touchdown in three straight tests. The secondary, which gets back veteran corner Terrence McGee from a four-game absence caused by a hamstring injury this week, has still permitted over 280 passing yards (26th overall) and 10 touchdowns via the air so far, and the Bills have managed an NFL-low four sacks on the year as well. Containing the run has been another issue, with Buffalo allowing 138.4 rushing yards (29th overall) per game and a porous 5.5 yards per carry, and Wilson and Barnett (42 tackles, 2 INT, 3 PD) have had to make too many stops well beyond the line of scrimmage.

Bills At Giants: When Buffalo Has The Ball

(Sports Network) – Buffalo comes into the Meadowlands as the NFL’s third-highest scoring team (32.8 ppg), in part due to the scoring chances the defense has generated, but also because it’s displayed very good balance and gotten savvy play-calling from the creative and experienced Gailey. The well-traveled head coach has made excellent use of Jackson (480 rushing yards, 5 TD, 19 receptions), as the versatile back is averaging a healthy 5.3 yards per carry and is also an integral part of an efficient passing game directed by underrated quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (1233 passing yards, 10 TD, 4 INT). The journeyman and Harvard graduate has completed nearly 66 percent of his throws on the season and been sensational in crunch time, having recorded a 119.0 passer rating and no turnovers in the second half while orchestrating a pair of fourth-quarter comebacks. Stevie Johnson (28 receptions, 343 yards, 3 TD) is the headliner of a rather unknown cast of pass-catchers that have aided Fitzpatrick’s cause, though the Bills will be without No. 2 receiver Donald Jones (16 receptions, 1 TD) for a while after he sprained his ankle in last week’s win. Slot specialist David Nelson (23 receptions, 2 TD) will shift outside in Jones’ absence, with practice-squad promotee Naaman Roosevelt (6 receptions) now asked to play a more prominent role. Buffalo has been outstanding within the red zone as well, scoring touchdowns on 15-of-20 possessions inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, and all of onetime Giants tight end Scott Chandler’s (12 receptions) team-best four scoring grabs have come in that area.

Fewell’s main priority will be trying to repair a suddenly-leaky run defense that was gashed for 98 yards on only 12 attempts by Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch last Sunday, one week after Arizona’s Beanie Wells powered his way to 138 yards and three touchdowns against the group. The Giants haven’t had much trouble pressuring the passer, however, even with their stellar duo of ends Justin Tuck (6 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and Osi Umenyiora (6 tackles) each having been limited to just two games each due to injuries. Umenyiora has been a terror since returning from preseason knee surgery, with the two-time All-Pro amassing four sacks and two forced fumbles in his brief stint, while 2010 first-round draft choice Jason Pierre-Paul (27 tackles) stands third in the league with 6 1/2 quarterback takedowns over the first five weeks. Tuck, still hampered by a sore groin and a neck stinger, seems likely to sit out a third straight contest. New York registered six sacks against the Seahawks, pushing its NFL-best total to 18, but allowed a season-high 424 total yards in defeat.

Osi Umenyiora Disappointed By Michael Strahan, Antonio Pierce After Criticism of Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora took offense when former teammates Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan called out Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs, rushing to defend his current teammates.

"These other guys have played the game, so they know what it's like," the Giants' two-time Pro Bowl defensive end told the New Jersey Star-Ledger Friday. "To hear them come out and say some of the things they said is very, very disappointing and makes me question how real and how authentic they are because they know better than to come out and say some of the things they've said."

Three weeks ago, Strahan criticized Tuck after the defensive end missed the second half of a win against Philadelphia.

Pierce then added to Umenyiora's fire earlier this week when he questioned Tuck and Jacobs's toughness, saying the two injured Giants should play through pain unless their injuries require surgery. Tuck has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills due to the combination of two injuries - a neck burner and a groin strain. Jacobs will miss the game to rest a sprained knee.

"If I see whoever it is that comes out and says these things, I have to let them know that I think that's just ridiculous," said Umenyiora, who added he hasn't talked to Strahan or Pierce. "Because all these guys who are saying these things went through the same things we're going through. It's crazy to me."    

For more Giants coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Bills, Friday injury Report

There is a lot of bad injury news for the New York Giants this week. Brandon Jacobs, Justin Tuck, Henry Hynoski and Chris Snee will all miss Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Center David Baas, who missed last week’s game with Seattle due to a neck burner, should be back in the lineup, however. Long snapper Zak DeOssie (concussion) is also likely to play.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Out

CB Prince Amukamara, Foot
FB Henry Hynoski, Neck
RB Brandon Jacobs, Knee
G Chris Snee, Concussion
DE Justin Tuck, Groin/Neck

Questionable

C David Baas, Neck
LS Zak DeOssie, Concussion

Probable

LB Michael Boley, Knee
DE Osi Umenyiora, Knee

BUFFALO BILLS

Out

T Demetrius Bell, Shoulder
CB Aaron Williams, Chest
LB Chris Kelsay, Calf
WR Donald Jones, Ankle

Doubtful

LB Shawn Merriman, Shoulder/Achilles

Questionable

S Da’Norris Searcy, Ankle
NT Kyle Williams, Foot
LB Nick Barnett, Ankle

Probable

G Andy Levitre, Knee
LB Chris White, Hamstring
DT Torell Troup, Low Back

Giants Injury News: Brandon Jacobs, Justin Tuck, Chris Snee, Henry Hynoski Out Sunday

The New York Giants’ beleaguered running game did not get much help Friday when coach Tom Coughlin announced that running back Brandon Jacobs (knee), right guard Chris Snee (concussion) and fullback Henry Hynoski (neck burner) will not play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Defensive end Justin Tuck will also not play, missing his second consecutive game with neck and groin injuries. It will be the third time Tuck sits out this season.

Snee will likely be replaced in the lineup at right guard by journeyman Kevin Boothe, who started at center Sunday for the injured David Baas. With Hynoski out, tight end Bear Pascoe will assume fullback responsibilities. Pascoe played fullback most of last season after Madison Hedgecock was injured.

Danny Ware took some of Jacobs’ carries a week ago as the backup to Ahmad Bradshaw, but netted only three yards in four carries. There has been some speculation that rookie Da’Rel Scott, a seventh-round pick from the University of Maryland, might see his first real playing time Sunday against Buffalo.

Thursday Injury Report: Jacobs and Tuck miss practice

New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs and defensive end Justin Tuck missed last week’s loss to Seattle, and their status for Sunday’s home game against Buffalo remains uncertain after both players did not practice Thursday.

Tuck has now been out two weeks with neck and groin injuries, while Jacobs has missed just the one game with a sprained MCL. Guard Chris Snee and Long snapper Zak DeOssie also sat out practice with concussions, along with cornerback Prince Amukamara (foot) and fullback Henry Hynoski (neck).

On the bright side for Big Blue, Osi Umenyiora made his return to practice Thursday, albeit in limited participation. The defensive end had missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury.

Center David Baas (neck) and linebacker Michael Boley (knee) also had limited participation in the practice.

Here is the complete injury report for both teams:

NEW YORK GIANTS

Did Not Participate

CB Prince Amukamara, Foot

LS Zak DeOssie, Concussion

FB Henry Hynoski, Neck

RB Brandon Jacobs, Knee

G Chris Snee, Concussion

DE Justin Tuck, Groin/Neck

DE Osi Umenyiora, Knee

Limited Participation

-- For complete coverage of the Giants and Bills, respectively, check out Big Blue View and Buffalo Rumblings. Our preview of the game can be found here.

Bills At Giants: Scouting the Buffalo Bills

You might not know much about the players on the Buffalo Bills, but that may change soon. The Bills are 4-1, including victories over Philadelphia and New England, and enter the game tied with the Patriots for the AFC East lead.

So, who are the key players behind this resurgence? Here is what Brian Galliford of Buffalo Rumblings says:

The big names offensively (Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Stevie Johnson) drive the offense. The big names defensively (Marcell Dareus, Shawne Merriman, Nick Barnett) drive the defense. One guy that’s only now coming onto the radar is strong safety George Wilson, who just had a huge game against Mike Vick and the Eagles, and who is really coming into his own as a first-time starter at strong safety despite being 30 years old.

Buffalo is an opportunistic team that scores 32.8 points per game and leads the league with a +11 takeaway/giveaway ratio.

“They’re doing all the right things. They have an outstanding passing game, obviously, but good balance,’ said Giants coach Tom Coughlin. “They have beaten the outstanding teams. The New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles are two of their four wins.”

The Giants are currently three-point favorites.

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Bills At Giants Wednesday Injury Report

Starting center David Baas returned to practice for the New York Giants Wednesday. Baas, who missed Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a neck burner, practiced on a limited basis.

First-round pick Prince Amukamara worked on a limited basis, the first time he has practiced since breaking his foot in his second practice after a contract holdout. Amukamara said he is still a few weeks away from being ready for game action.

“I think I’m doing good on the timeline that Coach Coughlin said, which is I’ll probably be here with the team after the bye,” Amukamara said.

The Giants bye is after their Week 7 game against the Miami Dolphins.

Below is Wednesday’s complete injury report:

NEW YORK GIANTS

Did Not Practice

CB Prince Amukamara, Foot
LS Zak DeOssie, Concussion
FB Henry Hynoski, Neck
RB Brandon Jacobs, Knee
G Chris Snee, Concussion
DE Justin Tuck, Groin/Neck
DE Osi Umenyiora, Knee

Limited Participation In Practice

C David Baas, Neck
LB Michael Boley , Knee

BUFFALO BILLS

Did Not Practice

T Demetrius Bell, Shoulder
G Andy Levitre, Knee
LB Shawne Merriman, Shoulder
CB Aaron Williams, Chest
LB Chris Kelsay, Calf
WR Donald Jones, Ankle
S Da’Norris Searcy, Ankle
NT Kyle Williams, Foot

Prince Amukamara Injury Update: New York Giants' Cornerback Practices For First Time, According To Report

New York Giants first round draft pick Prince Amukamara reportedly practiced today for the first time since breaking his foot in August. Coach Tom Coughlin said the cornerback still is not expected to see game action until after the week seven bye.

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