Watch CBS News

3 Giants Starters Sit Out Practice

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Injuries have joined inconsistent play as the New York Giants' enemy.

Three Giants starters missed practice Wednesday: center Shaun O'Hara, linebacker Keith Bulluck and wide receiver Mario Manningham.

O'Hara, the leader of the team's offensive line, missed last week's loss to Tennessee with a left ankle and Achilles' tendon injury.

"I was hoping initially that it was a two-week period, but I'm not sure now what it is," coach Tom Coughlin said.

Asked if O'Hara might require surgery, Coughlin added, "I don't think so. We're hoping it's not a surgical issue."

Adam Koets made his first start in last Sunday's 29-10 loss to the Titans and Coughlin said he did "a fine job." But continuity on an offensive line is particularly important, and with the unbeaten Chicago Bears heading to the Meadowlands on Sunday night, this is a critical week to block well.

"We know what kind of team is coming in here," guard Chris Snee said. "We know how they get after you."

Bulluck, signed as a free agent in the offseason after he left the Titans, has a toe problem. The Giants (1-2) did not say which toe on which foot.

Bulluck, in his 11th NFL season, started two of the previous three games. If he can't go, second-year pro Clint Sintum is the backup at strongside linebacker.

Manningham sustained a concussion against the Titans. Coughlin said he was surprised that Manningham had problems before practice, adding the receiver would go through further tests.

"The nature of it was late Sunday night that he contacted people in the training room," Coughlin said. "He really appeared to be fine Monday when we saw him. We didn't expect that there would be any slowdown in his performance today (in the team meeting). ... There was, so hopefully we can do the tests again and see how that comes out."

Manningham is second on the team with 14 receptions, averaging 17 yards a catch with one touchdown. He's part of a three-pronged receiving unit with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, and if he can't go against the Bears, undrafted rookie free agent Victor Cruz would move up. Cruz was a preseason sensation who mostly has played on special teams during the season.

"I'd like to get in there and try to be myself and hopefully get in there and catch some balls and make some plays," the receiver from UMass said. "It means a lot to have an opportunity to go out and play and have an important role in the game and make sure I'm ready not only for myself, but for my teammates."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.