The Giants selected Weston Richburg out of Colorado State in the second round of the draft because they think he is an offensive-line prospect who can play right away and become a fixture at center, or possibly at guard. It sure sounds as if the future is coming sooner rather than later for Richburg.
The rookie received playing time with the starters at right guard in Saturday night’s preseason victory over the Colts. Richburg also worked at center and left guard with the reserves. The most vulnerable spot in the line is right guard, where Brandon Mosley, replacing the recently retired Chris Snee, is trying to hold onto a summer starting assignment. It is unlikely Richburg, a natural center, would move in for veteran J.D. Walton at center, and Geoff Schwartz was signed to start at left guard.
“We’re not stuck with anything,’’ Tom Coughlin said Sunday about the offensive line. “Just because five guys trot out there doesn’t mean that’s the starting unit. It’s a work in progress and we’re trying like heck to speed that up. We have to make sure we’re looking at all the possibilities.’’
As for Richburg, “The reason he’s here is because we like him,’’ Coughlin said. “That’s why we’re trying to get him as involved as we can.’’
The Giants got banged up against the Colts. The most serious injury was to Cooper Taylor, the second-year safety who had been playing well this summer. He suffered an injury to his left foot, the sesamoid bone, and is in a walking boot. Coughlin called it “significant, an injury that’s going to require quite a bit of time.’’ That makes Taylor a possibility for injured reserve.
CB Prince Amukamara’s strained groin was sore on Sunday and he will go for an MRI. “Whenever you have something like that in a position Prince plays you’re concerned, so we’ll see,’’ Coughlin said. … Backup LT Charles Brown has a shoulder issue and will likely need to be put in a brace as soon as the soreness subsides. DT Markus Kuhn was forced out of the game with a hyperextended elbow but might not have to miss any time.
All signs point to Ryan Nassib overtaking Curtis Painter to again move back into the No. 2 quarterback spot. Nassib had been the backup to Eli Manning before Painter’s big showing against the Steelers moved him to No. 2 and Nassib to No. 3. Nassib was 11-of-15 for 158 yards and directed two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to beat the Colts.
“He played well, he did a good job and he competed like heck,’’ Coughlin said.
Former RB David Wilson, forced to retire from football because of neck issues, wants to become a track star. Wilson competed in the triple jump in high school and at Virginia Tech and wants to pursue it again, this time as a career.
“I think if I really focus I can compete with the top-tier athletes in that event,’’ Wilson told Pro Football Talk.