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Antrel Rolle said Tuesday that missing the season opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8 after suffering an ankle sprain Monday during practice is "not even a possibility."
"I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure. That’s not even a possibility. Treatment, two times a day, three times a day, four times a day. Whatever it takes, I’m going to do it," Rolle said.
Missing the opener is, of course, a possibility despite Rolle's bravado.
The veteran safety suffered what he called "a pretty good sprain" when he stepped on the foot of Bear Pascoe while defending the tight end on Monday.
How much will the Giants miss Rolle if he isn't ready when the season begins? Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell did not mince words when asked about that on Tuesday.
"Antrel is our glue and he’s the guy that binds us together," Fewell said. "He’s one of the building blocks. He’s a brick. He’s always there. He’s tough. He’s the motor that sails us. His presence is always valuable for us."
Rolle, despite Justin Tuck being the defensive captain, has in many ways become the leader of the Giants' defense. Ryan Mundy, Tyler Sash and others may try to fill in, but none will bring to the table the play-making ability and vocal leadership Rolle brings to the defense.
"I hate missing even a practice, being out there with my teammates, with my brothers. This is very hard for me to accept but at the same time, I have to be smart about it," Rolle said. "I’m going to push myself because that’s who I am, I push myself in everything I do. I’ll try to get out there with those guys as soon as possible."
The Giants will be counting the days.