New York Giants Defensive Demotions?: Based on the part of yesterday’s practice that the media was allowed to observe, it appears that DE Osi Umenyiora and DT Fred Robbins may have lost their starting jobs. Starting instead were DE Mathias Kiwanuka and DT Chris Canty, respectively. It was learned earlier this week that Jonathan Goff may be starting over Chase Blackburn at middle linebacker as well. The Star-Ledger and The Bergen Record are reporting that LB Bryan Kehl may also see more time in the nickel defense.
Roster Moves: The Giants signed TE Bear Pascoe to the 53-man roster yesterday, filling the spot vacated when LB Antonio Pierce was placed on Injured Reserve. Pascoe was on the Giants’ Practice Squad.
To fill Pascoe’s spot on the Practice Squad, the Giants signed DT Jeremy Clark, who played with the Giants in 2008 and was waived before the 2009 season started.
Injury Update – Bradshaw Practices, Johnson Does Not: Not practicing yesterday were S Michael Johnson (groin) and HB D.J. Ware (concussion). Ware has already been officially ruled out of the game against Dallas on Sunday; Johnson is “questionable” even though he did not practice all week.
H-Back Travis Beckum left practice early with a groin injury and is “questionable” for the game.
HB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/ankle/foot) practiced on a limited basis. He is also “questionable” for the game. “My ankle feels 10 times better than last week and 10 times better than two days ago,” Bradshaw said. “I feel good about this week and ready to go.”
QB Eli Manning (foot), LB Michael Boley (back), and WR Derek Hagan (hamstring) practiced fully and are “probable” for the game on Sunday.
Notes: Former Giants’ players HB Tiki Barber, FB Greg Comella, DT Keith Hamilton, and S Sam Garnes will be honorary team captains on Sunday.