And on Friday, Aug. 4, the New York Giants rested. In many cases literally. A number of veteran Giants watched from the side as the team went through a light jog-thru practice.
Among those who garned the “did not practice, coach’s decision” tag were Eli Manning, Damon Harrison, Brandon Marshall, Olivier Vernon, Janoris Jenkins. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Jonathan Casillas.
Manning did call in some of the plays, with McAdoo saying the vetern quarterback “got to see how challenging that really is.”
This is of the long-term approach McAdoo promised that is aimed at eliminating as much wear-and-tear as possible on core veteran players. The Giants practiced in pads Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Saturday’s practice “will be a heavy situational football day” in pads, McAdoo said. So, going easy Friday made sense.
McAdoo explained the lighter day this way:
“The reason why we’re doing it is it’s what’s best for them physically at this point. It’s not what we’d like to do, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Injury Updates
- Sterling Shepard (ankle) did not practice) [More on Shepard]
- Linebacker Keenan Robinson (concussion) and wide receiver Tavarres King (ankle) did not practice)
- Cornerback Valentino Blake (back), running back Shane Vereen and defensive end Devin Taylor all returned to practice.