Injury Report: Giants Adjustments Ahead In Wake Of Cruz, McBride Injuries
By Curt Macysyn
The New York Football Giants lost two key performers last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, as both wide receiver Victor Cruz and cornerback Trumaine McBride were lost to season-ending injuries. In addition, running back Rashad Jennings will miss his second straight game with a knee injury.
Quarterback Tony Romo and running back DeMarco Murray head the injury list for the Dallas Cowboys, and starting left tackle Doug Free and linebacker Bruce Carter did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of injuries.
New York Giants
The injury list for the Giants contains only three players, and does not speak to the season-ending injuries to cornerback Trumaine McBride and wide receiver Victor Cruz. In addition to Cruz, the Giants have already placed two other receivers on injured reserve in Marcus Harris and Jerrel Jernigan. Many thought that the team would elevate Julian Talley fom the practice squad, but instead the team signed former Dallas Cowboy Kevin Ogletree at the position. Ogletree most recently spent time on the roster of the Detroit Lions.
Giants' first-round draft pick Odell Beckham, Jr. will get the starting nod for Cruz, but the hope is that Beckham will not feel too much pressure trying to replace New York's top receiver and most popular player. Also, tailback Andre Williams will be getting his second start in place of the injured Rashad Jennings. Jennings will likely be back from his sprained knee after the bye week. Peyton Hillis also had more snaps than Williams last week against the Eagles.
To replace McBride on the roster, the G-men did elevate Chandler Fenner from the practice squad. Fenner spent the better part of the pre-season with New York, but he was cut as the rosters were reduced to 53 players at the end of training camp. In terms of playing time, look for oft-injured Jayron Hosley to get first crack at the slot cornerback position that McBride had been playing since the Walter Thurmond injury three weeks ago.
Starting cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been unable to finish the past two games, with hamstring and ankle injuries. Free agent signee Zack Bowman has spelled Rodgers-Cromartie admirably and had an interception of Eagles' quarterback Nick Foles last week. Both punter Steve Weatherford and linebacker Jon Beason have been stalwarts on the injury list for several weeks, expect both to play on Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys
There were concerns that the Cowboys' defense would implode under the stress of losing arguably its two best players in the off season. Giant-killer DeMarcus Ware was released, and middle linebacker Sean Lee injured his knee. Despite the losses, the Cowboys' defense has held its own, and the unit was buoyed by the return of Anthony Spencer. Spencer is still shows up on the injured list this week, and he is listed as having knee and foot issues.
According to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, "The coaches credited him with three tackles and three pressures. He was a pain in Russell Wilson’s side for most of the game. And the fact that he played more snaps speaks to how well his left knee is feeling after playing just one game in 2013 and needing microfracture surgery." It certainly appears that Spencer will be suiting up on Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo will likely play against the Giants, but he still is hampered by back and ankle injuries. Romo underwent off season back surgery, but he still shows above average escapability. The NFL's leading rusher is DeMarco Murray, but Murray has a tendency to get beat up as the season goes along. Murray did not practice on Wednesday due to illness, but will play on Sunday.
Middle linebacker Rolando McClian is listed as probable with a groin injury. According to Archer, "McClain has been slowed by the injury a bit since getting hurt in the Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans. He missed one game and has been limited in practices since, but leads the Cowboys with 43 tackles. 'It feels better than it did last week,' McClain said of his injury."
Two big losses for the Cowboys are the unavailability of linebacker Bruce Carter and tackle Doug Free. Both missed practice all week and have been declared out. "Kyle Wilber is expected to start in place of Carter against the Giants," Archer wrote.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Probable:
LB Jon Beason (Foot)
P Steve Weatherford (Ankle)
Questionable:
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Ankle/Hamstring)
LB Spencer Paysinger (Hamstring)
Doubtful:
None
Out:
RB Rashad Jennings (Knee)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Probable:
RB DeMarco Murray (Illness)
QB Tony Romo (Back/Ankle)
OT Tyron Smith (Ankle)
LB Rolando McClain (Groin/Personal)
OT Jeremy Parnell (Chest)
DE Anthony Spencer (Knee/Foot)
Questionable:
None
Doubtful:
DE Jack Crawford (Calf)
Out:
LB Bruce Carter (Thigh)
OT Doug Free (Foot)
For more Giants news and updates, visit Giants Central.
Curt Macysyn has been covering the New York Football Giants for the past two seasons for Examiner.com. Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Curt has followed and covered the New York Metropolitan sports scene for 35 years. He attended Seton Hall Prep School in South Orange, NJ and is a graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. His work can be found on aExaminer.com.
