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Injury Report: Giants Getting Healthier At The Right Time

By Curt Macysyn

The biggest news this week on the injury front for the New York Giants was the return to the team of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul has missed the entire season because of a fireworks mishap that caused severe damage to his right hand. Conventional wisdom would seem to indicate that JPP will be activated for the November 15 contest against the New England Patriots, but do not rule out an earlier arrival, if the G-men stumble against the Saints this weekend.

Offensive tackle Will Beatty has also been practicing with the team, as he recovers from a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the off season. Beatty's timetable would appear to be the same as Pierre-Paul, and getting these two players back at anything close to 100 percent would be a bonanza for the Giants.

Additionally, both Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham have been removed from the injury report, so Eli Manning will hopefully have his top two receiving threats at nearly full speed on Sunday. Long term injured players Prince Amukamara (pectoral) and Victor Cruz (calf) will once again be on the sidelines for New York. Reportedly, Amukamara is making good progress in his recovery, while Cruz's return is just a wish and a prayer at this point.

Trevin Wade has performed better than both Trumaine McBride and Jayron Hosley at the cornerback position opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but Hosley always seems to be back in the starting line-up.

Linebacker J.T. Thomas was in a walking boot, according to the website BigBlueView.com, and so he will miss Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Reportedly, linebacker Jon Beason (ankle) was taking a "maintenance day" on Wednesday, when he did not practice with the team. Friday generally is a "recovery day" for the Giants, so his status would appear to be 50/50 at best. Uani 'Unga look like he will be able to return from his neck injury to spell Beason, if needed anyway.

Offensive guard Geoff Schwartz (ankle) returned to practice fully on Thursday, so he will probably suit up against the Saints, after being listed as probable. Schwartz has a current grade of (+7.5) from Pro Football Focus, and he is part of the newly renovated interior of the Giants' offensive line this season. Left guard Justin Pugh (+12.7) and center Weston Richburg (+8.8) are graded in the top five in their respective positions by Pro Football Focus. After that the dropoff is significant as reserve John Jerry is graded as a (-2.1) in just 119 snaps according to Pro Football Focus, and starting right tackle Marshall Newhouse sits with a (-16.9) grade, one of the worst for a starting tackle in the league.

Probable:
Uani 'Unga, LB (Neck)
Geoff Schwartz, OG (Ankle)

Questionable:
Jon Beason, LB (Ankle)

Out:
Prince Amukamara, CB (Pectoral)
Victor Cruz, WR (Calf)
Owa Odighizuwa, DE (Hamstring)
J.T. Thomas, LB (Ankle)

Curt Macysyn has been covering the New York Football Giants for the past four seasons for Examiner.com, and he is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). Born and raised in New Jersey, Curt attended Seton Hall Prep School in South Orange, N.J. and is a graduate of Rutgers University - New Brunswick. Follow him on Twitter @CurtMac23 for the latest NFL and New York Giants news.

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