Offensive Line in Flux As New York Giants Prepare For Kansas City Chiefs
By Curt Macysyn
As badly as the offensive line played in last week's shutout loss to the Carolina Panthers, changes may have been in order anyway. Current injuries to center David Baas and offensive guard Chris Snee, who are both out for Sunday's game, now require Giants head coach Tom Coughlin to refortify quarterback Eli Manning's pass protection. Meanwhile, the Chiefs had a full 10 days rest after disposing of the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday night on the road.
Andy Reid's squad will be welcomed back by a raucous Arrowhead Stadium, as the Giants play their third away game in the season's first four weeks.
New York Giants
Fullback Henry Hynoski fractured his shoulder in the first series against the Panthers, and the third year player was placed on season ending injured reserve this week. The Giants went out and inked former New York Jets fullback John Conner to take Hynoski's place. Expect Conner to play a fair amount on Sunday, despite the limited exposure he has had with the playbook. H-back Bear Pascoe will also see repetitions in the backfield.
Cornerback Corey Webster (hip) did not play against the Panthers and has not practiced all week, and he has been declared out of Sunday's contest. Also out are center David Baas (neck) and offensive guard Chris Snee (hip). The configuration of the offensive line, even since both have been ruled, remains in flux. Veteran David Diehl practiced on a limited basis this week, and he would be a natural fit to take Snee's fight at right guard, but he is doubtful to play as well.
Since Baas cannot go, New York could insert backup center Jim Cordle in that slot, or the G-men could slide Kevin Boothe from guard to center, and put either James Brewer or Brandon Mosley in Boothe's guard spot.
Nickel cornerback Terrell Thomas did not practice on Thursday, but the Giants hinted that it was just a maintenance day for the twice injured defensive back. Safety Cooper Taylor was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Both were limited in practice on Friday, but Thomas is considered probable, while Taylor is considered questionable.
Cover linebacker Jacquian Williams has sat out practice with a knee injury. Knee injuries have plagued Williams for the past two years, so recent waiver pickup Allen Bradford (Seattle Seahawks) may see action on Sunday. Starting linebacker Spencer Paysinger had limited practice time with a sore hip, but looks probable to play. Another linebacker, Justin Trattou, injured an ankle in practice on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday. His status for Sunday is probable since he practiced on Friday.
Tight end Adrien Robinson remains on the injury report with a foot injury sustained in the final pre-season game against the New England Patriots. With safety Will Hill returning from suspension after Sunday, Robinson could be a prime candidate for a trip to the injured reserve list, since he was ruled out for the fourth straight game.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are experiencing some injuries on the offensive line themselves. Starting offensive guard Jeff Allen (groin) has not practiced all week, so his status appears doubtful for Sunday. If Allen cannot play, unproven Rishaw Johnson takes over. And starting offensive tackle Brandon Albert (shoulder) was limited in practice but seems probable for Sunday.
Cover cornerback Brandon Flowers did not practice on Wednesday, but was limited on Thursday; his status is questionable for Sunday. Rookie Marcus Cooper (Rutgers) would be the next man up in the Chiefs secondary. Free safety Kendrick Lewis returned to practice on Thursday, albeit on a limited basis. He appears probable for Sunday.
The Chiefs top two tight ends, Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce, are nursing knees, and neither has practiced this week. It seems doubtful that either will play this week. Third-string tight end Sean McGrath came in against Philadelphia and contributed four catches against the Eagles.
Starting defensive lineman Mike DeVito (neck) returned to practice on a limited basis on Thursday and appears to be probable for this contest.
New York Giants
Probable:
- LB Spencer Paysinger (Hip)
- CB Terrell Thomas (Knee)
- LB Justin Trattou (Ankle)
Questionable:
- S Cooper Taylor (Shoulder)
- Jacquian Williams (Knee)
Doubtful:
- OT David Diehl (Thumb)
Out:
- FB Henry Hynoski (Shoulder-Injured Reserve)
- TE Adrien Robinson (Foot)
- CB Corey Webster (Hip)
- OG Chris Snee (Hip)
- C David Baas (Neck)
Kansas City Chiefs
Probable:
- S Kendrick Lewis (Ankle)
- LT Branden Albert (Shoulder)
- DT Mike DeVito (Neck)
- CB Brandon Flowers (Knee)
Doubtful:
- TE Anthony Fasano (Ankle-Knee)
- OG Jeff Allen (Groin)
- TE Travis Kelce (Knee)
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 Examiner.com.
