Giants' Prince Amukamara Expected To Miss Opener, Return For Week 2

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Will cornerback Prince Amukamara be on the field when the Giants host the Cowboys in the NFL opener on September 5?

That's yet to be determined, though it isn't looking good for the 23-year-old.

The second-year player, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Giants' preseason game against the Bears, is out of his walking boot, but he's far from ready to go.

"I haven't been able to run, but (the) walking is good, and getting on my toes is good," Amukamara said. "I couldn't even do that three days ago, so I'm glad that I'm progressing."

Amukamara is still holding out hope that he'll be ready to go next week at MetLife Stadium, but he acknowledges that a Week 2 return against the Buccaneers is more realistic.

"I'm thinking Week 2 is more promising, but I want Week 1 to be promising as well," Amukamara said. "They haven't told me yes and they haven't told me no."

Though the Super Bowl Champion is eager to get back on the field as quickly as possible, he's encouraged by the fact that the injury -- which could have been very serious -- seems to be less of a concern than originally though.

"The doctor was impressed by how quickly I've been improving, and he said it's still a day-by-day thing," Amukamara explained. "I have to start running and start practicing first -- and I haven't done that -- so as soon as I get the OK from the trainers we'll go from there.''

In his first NFL season, the six-foot-0, 207-pounder recorded 14 tackles and picked off one pass in seven games played.

It seems to be the right move to play it safe with Amukamara and not rush him back. Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...