Q: What did you do in practice today that you weren't able to do yesterday?
A: I was out there getting mental reps and making sure I'm on the same page with the guys. Making sure I know what to do.
Q: Where are you physically?
A: I don't want to give you any percentages of where I am physically right now, but I will say that I'm excited about where I am.
Q: What feeling are you getting from coach Coughlin about if you'll be ready to go on Sunday?
A: We're in communication, and he's just checking in, seeing how things are going thus far. We're on the same page with things right now.
Q: How would you rate your ability to persuade?
A: I'm at a loss for words right now. This is a special weekend.
Q: What would be your emotions going in there, if you did play?
A: Again, like I have always said, there has never been any bad blood there. It's just good to get back and face my old team. I think that would be the case with anybody, whether they leave on good terms or bad terms. I wouldn't say I left on bad terms, it's just my time was up there and you have to move onto the next one.
Q: Were you treated fairly? Do you like the fans? Good teammates? C'mon, rip the fans:
A: I would never do that. I think everywhere there are good people and bad people. I don't harp on the bad. I used to let the bad and negative things get to me, but I'm in such a different place in my life right now and I've had my share of humble pies, figuratively and literally. They were tasty, too, but some of them were bad. I'm just trying to stay on track and just let the past be the past. I've been through so much in the past couple of years. I'm just fortunate, so fortunate to be here and be able to contribute to the Giants.
Q: Given the back problems you've had, is this related to that?
A: I've had two back surgeries, so one could speculate that it probably is. My reps from being in that tight end package that we have, it's gone from 18-20 plays a game to the very first game against the Seahawks, like 85 plays. That's a lot coming off an injury and not having played in two years. Not to make excuses, the doc said some days will be better than others. It's just about managing everything, and making sure everything structurally is fine and sound.
Q: What are the doctors telling you about whether it can get worse if you continue to play on it?
A: It's all about managing the pain. Even being healthy and not having back surgeries, nothing is guaranteed. Even after two back surgeries, I think, even from a general standpoint, I think it makes you more vulnerable to being injured. Again, I'm doing everything in my power and have done everything in my power, still continuing the core strengthening program that I've been prescribed back when I started rehabbing after my second surgery. Right now, I'm just managing it, and it's getting better and I'm excited about where it is.
Q: What will it be like for you if you have to sit out on Sunday?
A: That's going to be tough. That's going to be a tough one. Again, I'm working and being prayerful. This is a big one right here.
Q: Why are you so emotional about it?
A: It's just special. I don't want to make it a personal thing, but if you were to go to another station, a rival station, wouldn't there be some...if you were released, or I don't want to say fired but that's kind of what happened to me, but whatever. Again, it's nothing personal and no bad blood, I'm just extra amped. I don't know.
Q: What went through your head when this injury returned? Had to have been a tough moment:
A: It was, it was. At the same time, I was thinking - it's really tough because I think about how far I've come. Early on in my rehabbing process, especially after my second surgery, I just recall the pain that I was in, that I don't want to feel this way anymore. I could have easily hung it up, went fishing in Arkansas, and just kicked my feet back. I know I have a lot of great football left in me, and I have a second chance with a phenomenal organization. I feel like I owe it to these guys. If I have to be carried off the field, for these guys, I respect them so much that I'm doing everything in my power.
Q: If you play, what kind of task is that for you? You know the Eagles very well:
A: I don't think any team that you play in this league you can take lightly. As we saw on Monday night, the Eagles are playing good football right now. Granted, I play left tackle and will be going against Trent Cole, who is one of the premier rushers in the league. I think he has one of the highest motors in the league that you'll find. You watch film, and he doesn't take plays off. I have been doing all the necessary things and taking the necessary steps conditioning wise to match that intensity.
Q: Could you play tonight if you had to?
A: For my G-men? Hell yeah, I would. I would. Pardon my language. It's just how dedicated I am to these guys. Some awesome guys. I know you guys have been around longer than me, but even with Mr. Reese and Coach, I owe everybody.
Q: You say that because they took a chance on you?
A: They took a chance, and everybody said, "Oh, that was a bad move by the Giants." I feel like I owe them, man. Like I said, I could've kicked back in Arkansas and went fishing, go cart driving or something, they do make them big enough for me, by the way. That goes to show the passion. I don't know many people who will keep having surgeries and not have a passion for what they're still chasing.
Q: How much does knowing the Eagles so well factor into the decision of playing despite no practice this week?
A: I'm sure they will bring a few different things to the table, but at the same time, our coaches do such a good job of game planning, and it's up for us to get it in the meetings. Of course, I've gone out on the field to get the mental reps. It's going to come down to us executing as a team. It's not just about me, I'm playing against a heck of player this weekend, but it's a team game. If every man takes care of what they have to do, we'll be alright.