The Giants have plenty of experience at plugging holes and replacing injured players. And with defensive tackle Rocky Bernard the latest to be ruled out for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland with an injured quadricep, Big Blue will need to ask some youngsters to step up and veterans to play out of position.
Inexperienced tackles Markus Kuhn and Marvin Austin will be thrust into key roles next to Linval Joseph, a 23-year-old somehow thrust into the unfamiliar role as seasoned leader. And defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck will likely be forced to play inside for several snaps.
It’s not ideal, but it’s reality.
“No, there’s not too many other options, unless you’d like to play,’’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said jokingly.
“We play with what we have,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said.
When asked if that means seeing more of Kuhn and Austin, he replied: “If that’s what we have, yes.’’
What they have is Kuhn, a rookie from North Carolina State who has played in every game, and Austin, a second-year pro with little experience.
“[Austin’s] got work to do. He’s got a ways to go. Each week he gets a little bit better and his opportunity will be there again,’’ Coughlin said. “For us to accomplish what we want to, he’s going to have to play well.’’
Austin was a 2011 second-round pick despite missing his senior season at North Carolina due to suspension. He then missed his entire rookie campaign with a torn pectoral muscle during preseason, and much of this preseason with back woes.
“I think I’ll be called upon, and I believe I’ll be ready for that challenge,” Austin said. “I’ve just got to go out there and play football. I know I’m a good football player. … Now it’s time for me to step up go out there and show it.
“Opportunity is everything, so I’ve just got to go out there and take advantage of it. … For myself and for Markus Kuhn it’s a good opportunity. And to whom much is given, much is expected. You’ve got to go out there and be prepared to step up.’’
Fewell estimated Austin played four to 10 snaps last week, and Kuhn has been averaging 10 to 12.
“We’ve been working with [Austin] since he returned from his injury, so yes, he’ll see an increased role,’’ Fewell said. “Kuhn has been playing. Kuhn’s been averaging between 10 to 12 snaps. We’ll increase his snaps … and then those guys will share the duties.’’
Kuhn, a 26-year-old rookie born in Weinheim, Germany, actually has gotten far more playing time and could be in line to start tomorrow against Cleveland and the downhill running of Trent Richardson.
“I have to step up since Rocky is down,” Kuhn said. “I’ve been practicing all week like I always have, and now it’s for me to go out there and prove I can do even more. The more I played and the more I’m in there the better I can get as well.’’
Joseph, put in the odd position of veteran leader at just 23, said: “They know what to do; but at the same time, I’m a second set of eyes; so if a guy’s out of position, I need to tell them to slide over, or do this or do that. Just help the young guys out.’’