ARLINGTON, Texas – The Giants do not rush players dealing with injuries onto the field if they do not believe they can help them win the game. Clearly, the Giants know what time it is, that Sunday is the regular-season opener and the stakes are raised. With that in mind, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is active for the Giants against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Pierre-Paul was listed as questionable, as he underwent off-season back surgery and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. He was able to get on the field for practice two weeks ago, though, and the Giants were satisfied with his progress.
JPP said last week he did not want to play if he was going to be used for only 20-something plays, insisting he isn’t a third-down specialist and is an every-down player. Well, it is expected that the Giants will carefully monitor Pierre-Paul’s snaps, cognizant that he is not yet close to prime condition.
Another starter listed as questionable, fullback Henry Hynoski, also got clearance and will play. Hynoski had surgery on his left knee in the spring and, like JPP, began training camp on PUP. His snaps also figure to be limited but Hynoski’s presence frees Bear Pascoe to play his more natural tight end spot and could help in the blocking department for running back David Wilson.
Rookie defensive end Damontre Moore, bothered by a bruised shoulder, will have to wait to make his NFL debut. He is inactive, along with QB Ryan Nassib, DT Johnathan Hankins, DE Adewale Ojomo, OL David Diehl, TE Adrien Robinson and C David Baas.