After nine weeks of sitting around, Giants running back Andre Brown can’t wait to make his return Sunday. Champing at the bit, like a child on Christmas Eve, Brown said he hopes Tom Coughlin gives him the ball early and often against the Raiders — and he just may get his wish.
“I just hope there are no limitations and [they let it] ride,’’ Brown said. “I hope not. This is nine weeks of sitting on my ass not doing anything.’’
Well, the months of grueling rehab weren’t exactly nothing. After coming back from a fractured fibula suffered last Nov. 25 that necessitated a protective metal plate being inserted in his leg and cost him the final five games of the season, Brown was hit in the exact same spot by New England defensive tackle Marcus Forston in this year’s preseason finale.
Brown suffered another fracture, and might need to wear a specially designed carbon fiber shin guard for the rest of his career.
Nevertheless, because of Brown’s dogged rehab, he’s picking that career up at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Raiders.
“It’s obvious how important it is to him, and he did everything he could to get back out here, and he’s had three really good weeks of practice where he’s gotten better each day out here,’’ Coughlin said Friday.
“I mean, he hasn’t played in a while. But hopefully … you always think, number one, you’ve got to take care of the ball. He hasn’t been hit and he hasn’t been tackled, so you’ve got to take care of the ball. But hopefully he’ll be able to do that.’’
Brown will get his chance right away and is expected to share the workload with Peyton Hillis.
“Even contact and everything, I’m really looking forward to it. Can’t wait!’’ said Brown, channeling his best Bart Scott. “I described it as being like Christmas Eve. I’ve just been sitting on the shelf, chilling, and now I’m just ready to go. I can’t wait. I’m not going to get any sleep in the hotel [Saturday], I’ll tell you that.
“It’s time to go. I’m just glad it’s a 1:00 game instead of 4:30 or 8. I hate them. I hate the late games. I’m just glad we wake right up and we’re going. It’s awesome.’’
The Giants couldn’t be happier to have him back, because their ground game has been awful this season. They are third-worst in the NFL — 30th overall — in rushing yards (69.9) and yards per carry (3.2).
Making a dire situation worse, David Wilson, expected to split time with Brown at the start of the season, was placed Thursday on the season-ending injured reserve with a herniated disk.
Brandon Jacobs, who wasn’t on the roster at the start of the season, was limited the prior two days and didn’t practice Friday with both knee and hamstring woes. He declined to speak to the media about his status for Sunday, but he’s doubtful.
Hillis, another in-season acquisition, is expected to get the majority of the carries, but Brown’s workload will be immediate and vital. Rookie Michael Cox, an unheralded seventh-round draft pick who made the roster, is the only other option, so clearly Brown will play, and play a lot.
Don’t expect Coughlin to baby him.
“First of all, he’s in good shape,” Coughlin said. “He’s in excellent condition. You’re talking about a day that [the temperature is] in the 50s, so I don’t think there will be any conditioning issue, but we’ll keep our eye on that part of it.’’