Left tackle Shawn Andrews has not practiced this week due a sore back, but his New York Giants teammates expect the former Philadelphia Eagle to play Sunday against his old team.
"Shawn will be all right,’’ center Rich Seubert said. "You know Shawn wants to play in this game. I’m pretty sure he’s pumped up and he’s going to do whatever he has to to be out there on Sunday. He’ll be out there playing.’’
Right tackle Kareem McKenzie also is expecting Andrews on Sunday night in Philadelphia.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t be able to,’’ McKenzie said. "There have been many times throughout my 10 years in the NFL where I’ve seen players not practice and play.’’
As far as Andrews getting a chance to face his former team, McKenzie said, "That’s what makes the question all the more farcical, to me. That would seem the obvious answer to me, going against his old team, I don’t think he would miss that opportunity for anything.’’
The Giants need Andrews to play. They are already missing starting center Shaun O’Hara and the man Andrews replaced at left tackle, David Diehl. Backup center Adam Koets was recently placed on IR.
If Andrews is unable to play the Giants would have to start Will Beatty at left tackle. Beatty, a second-round pick a year ago, saw his first action since Week 1 last week against Dallas. Beatty had been out with a broken foot, and the lack of activity showed as he committed several costly penalties.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Andrews was "day-to-day," but sounded hopeful when he addressed the player’s situation for the first time after practice today.
"He has been stiff and sore before but never to the point where he didn’t feel like – he actually came out and tried to work yesterday," Coughlin said. "He felt he could work. As long as he was in a two-point stance, he felt he could. But then the smarter move prevailed and we didn’t push it any. He was a little bit better this morning. And hopefully he will be a little bit better tomorrow."
Below is the full Thursday injury report.
Thursday (11/18)
Out
Pos. Player Injury
None
Did Not Participate in Practice
Pos. Player Injury
T Shawn Andrews Back
TE Kevin Boss Back
T David Diehl Hip/Hamstring
C Shaun O’Hara Foot
WR Steve Smith Pectoral
CB Corey Webster Toe
Limited Participation in Practice
Pos. Player Injury
FB Madison Hedgecock Hamstring
DE Osi Umenyiora Knee
Full Participation in Practice
Pos. Player Injury
WR Darius Reynaud Hamstring
LB Gerris Wilkinson Hand