Giants’ injury update: DRC, Jennings expect to play; Eli Apple not so sure

If there is one thing you learn covering an NFL team, or any professional sports team for that matter, it is never to trust players when they discuss their own injury situations. Why do I bring that up? Because the New York Giants have three key players — cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Eli Apple, running back, Rashad Jennings — hoping to be available to play Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

Rodgers-Cromartie left Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins with a groin injury. He told reporters Wednesday that he “definitely” thinks he can play against the Vikings. The Giants, however, don’t hold their first full practice for the Minnesota game until Thursday. At this point, Rodgers-Cromartie said he has only done “light stuff” to test the leg.

“All you can do is treat it and let it heal, but it isn’t stopping me from doing certain things, like running and stuff like that, so it isn’t too bad. I just have to get it stronger,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “I feel like it is a game that we are going to need everybody, so the main thing is to stay heavy on the treatment and continue to strengthen it.”

Will he practice on Thursday? Rodgers-Cromartie said he is “day-to-day” and that it would depend “on how I wake up and how it is feeling.”

Rashad Jennings

After missing last week’s game against the Redskins with a thumb injury, Jennings told reporters that he “absolutely” expects to play against Minnesota.

With Shane Vereen on IR due to a triceps injury, the Giants can use Jennings against Minnesota. Both for his running and for his ability to pass protect.

Eli Apple

The rookie cornerback told reporters that he has not yet tried to run after injuring his hamstring against Washington, and doesn’t know when he will be allowed to do so. He does not expect to practice on Thursday.

With both Rodgers-Cromartie and Apple hurting, Trevin Wade and Leon Hall could see extended snaps against the Vikings.

The first real injury report of the week for Giants-Vikings will be released on Thursday.