NFL

Giants’ Tuck: Plenty left in tank

Justin Tuck says he’s not going to be the last to know.

When he’s done, he’ll know it.

“Believe me, when I feel like I can’t do it anymore I’ll be the first one to go up to [general manager] Jerry Reese and those guys and tell them,’’ the Giants defensive end said yesterday. “I’m not going to be one of these guys that stick around in the league just to get a paycheck. When I can’t play this game at a high level you’ll know it and I’ll gracefully bow out.’’

Is it that time?

“Ask me that question in six, seven years,’’ Tuck said. “That’s just to let you know how much I think I still have in the tank.’’

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Tuck’s confidence belies his production the past two years. He had only five sacks in 2011, battling through a variety of injuries. This season, relatively healthy until what he calls a “boo-boo’’ in his left shoulder the last two games, Tuck managed only four sacks. His impact in stopping the run was also not up to par.

Completing his eighth season, Tuck, 29, is about to enter the final year of his Giants contract and his base salary in 2013 is $4.5 million. He figured he would have a new deal by now but his play the past two seasons did not warrant an extension, meaning he’s going to be playing for his Giants future next season.

“Justin has been a good player for a long time for us,’’ Reese said. “Obviously he didn’t play as good as he wanted to play and as good as we wanted him to play, but it’s not just Justin.

“He’s not getting any younger, but I think he’s got a lot of tread left on his tires and we expect him to come back and be the Justin Tuck we know.’’

Tuck is the defensive team captain and his words carry weight inside the locker room.

“I feel I went out there and played my heart out every time I step out on the football field,’’ he said. “The performance wasn’t as high as it has been in past years, but my level of hunger definitely wasn’t lacking.’’

Asked if he is on the downside of his career, Tuck said, “Listen man, I’ll be very frank and honest with saying this: I plan on being here for a long time. That’s pretty much all I have to say about it.’’