David Baas was talking to a group of reporters about his chances of playing Monday night against the Vikings, discussing his injury-riddled season.
Instead of a health checkup, it felt as if the veteran center were giving a speech, looking to fire up his winless teammates.
“You have to play a New York Giant when you’re out there,” Baas said, his voice rising. “Everybody has to do that. That’s one thing that I definitely pride myself on, is trying to lead by example out on that field.
“If I’m out on that field, I’m representing the New York Giants and I plan to play like one.”
It certainly sounds as if Baas will be on the MetLife Stadium turf Monday night, barring an unexpected setback to his neck. His return would add a major piece to the improving Giants offensive line.
Baas, who has missed the last three games, has practiced with the starters the last two days, his replacement Jim Cordle told The Post, and the 0-6 Giants are hopeful he will be in the lineup as they look to register their first win of the season.
“Let’s just say [Thursday] was a good day. [Friday] was even better.,” Baas said. “Our team is working hard to do everything possible to go out and play our best on Monday night. I want to be a part of that and so far things are going well.”
The Giants offensive line has performed better over the last two weeks, particularly in Chicago against the Bears on Oct. 10. The unit opened canyon-sized holes for running back Brandon Jacobs, paving the way for the veteran’s surprising 106-yard game. Quarterback Eli Manning was only sacked once, and he has hit the turf just twice the last two games.
“No question, the last two weeks they’ve played very well,” offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. “That’s been a huge step in the right direction.”
Cordle made it sound as if Baas will definitely play, saying, “I’m not the starter right now.” Baas, however, said, “No predictions. Right now I’d say we got a really good chance.”
Coach Tom Coughlin and Gilbride praised the play of Cordle in Baas’ absence, but they would be happy to get back Baas, the line’s anchor and one of its most experienced players. Gilbride did mention it could hinder the unit’s chemistry just as the quintet was beginning to hit its stride. Then again, Baas has played a ton with linemates David Diehl, Kevin Boothe and Will Beatty over the last few years, and is a player “we all think highly of,” Boothe said.
“I think it’s very important,” Coughlin said. “[Minnesota] is very good up front. The inside people have good size and they play with power. Anytime you can add David Baas to that formation, or that type of front, you’re going to be in better shape.”
“What I bring to the table is knowledge,” Baas said. “It doesn’t matter what play, if I can do something that’s going to help this team win and bring a spark, anything I can do, I’m going to go 100 percent and do that because we need to win.”
Baas is itching to play, tired of feeling helpless as the losses mount. He missed most of the preseason after suffering a sprained left medial collateral ligament, before surprisingly getting back in time for the season opener in Dallas against the Cowboys.
“I’ve been battling injuries my whole career, it’s nothing new,” he said. “You got to go out there and play through it and play.
“I can only do my part. There’s four other guys on the offensive line with me, there’s other guys on the field. We all have to do this together.”