OC Mike Sullivan: Giants unsure of Rashad Jennings’ availability

New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings remains uncertain to play in Monday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a thumb injury. Jennings missed last week’s game against the Washington Redskins with the injury, and offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said Friday the Giants will simply have to “wait and see” how Jennings feels on Monday night.

“We're going to wait and see how it all plays itself out, to be honest with you. He's practiced, we're having everybody practice,” Sullivan said. “I think anytime there's an injury, you have to have contingency plans, but you also have to be ready that it’s all on hands on deck available to help out. So we'll wait and see how it shakes out Monday night.”

Jennings missed last week’s game against the Washington Redskins. Sullivan said that Jennings “looked improved” during practice this week and that the Giants are “hoping for the best” in terms of his availability.

The Giants are also without pass-catching back Shane Vereen, on IR with a triceps injury.

Here are Sullivan’s thoughts on the three remaining backs on the roster.

Orleans Darkwa ...

“Darkwa is very tough, he's versatile, he can run hard. He's very aware of our pass protection schemes. He'll execute that job well; he catches the ball. So, he's versatile player. He's had some issues in the past in terms of not being able to stay healthy perhaps and just some bad luck. Knock on wood, he's been very healthy and very productive and I'm glad he's here. He's certainly someone, if he's called upon, we have great confidence in.”

Bobby Rainey ...

“There are a lot of similarities (to Vereen). First off, it's tough to replace a guy like Shane Vereen and we're certainly hoping for the best and wish him a speedy recovery. He's not just a heck of a player, he's a heck of a young man. As far as Bobby, the ability to catch the ball, the ability to have that short area burst. There's a lot of things that, I think, there is some carry over. And of course, as it all starts on third down, an awareness of pass protection and being able to know who to block and then execute it. So if called upon, we feel confident in Bobby Rainey.

Paul Perkins ...

“He's obviously been set-back because he wasn't here in the spring and that is a big disadvantage through no fault of his. I will say this, the young man is very diligent. He works extremely hard. He's smart and he has a lot of the characteristics you're looking for. He's got the size, he's physical, he catches the ball well. It's just a matter of trying to play catch-up. And he's been force-fed, especially these past couple of weeks, and he's done well so far. We feel very confident, whoever's called upon, whether Rashad's able to go or any of the other guys that are on our team. Coach Johnson does a heck of a job with them and we feel comfortable with whoever's called upon that they'll get the job done.”