PHILADELPHIA — The Giants, already hurting in their defensive backfield, lost the services of starting strong safety Kenny Phillips in the first quarter of last night’s 19-17 loss to the Eagles with an injury to his right knee.
Phillips was able to walk off the field under his own power and was replaced by Stevie Brown. The Giants today welcome back second-year safety Tyler Sash from his four-game suspension, and now they might need him with Phillips ailing.
Phillips was taken to the locker room at Lincoln Financial Field for X-rays, which came back negative. The Giants said Phillips has a sprained knee but the severity of the injury is not yet known. He was able to return to the sideline, an ice wrap on his knee. It’s another blow to a secondary that has been hit hard by injuries.
“It’s a great concern … I don’t know what it is about that spot, but we’re certainly having a difficult time being able to stay together and stay whole,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said.
If Phillips is lost for an extended period of time, the Giants will have to get more out of rookie Will Hill, who last night played the nickel cornerback spot, replacing injured rookie Jayron Hosley.
“That’s very unfortunate, we don’t know how serious an injury it is at this point,’’ Antrel Rolle said. “I’m hoping and praying he can get back out with us soon enough and hopefully he has a very speedy recovery.’’
* There was a David Wilson sighting on offense, but it didn’t go well. Wilson came in on the second series and mishandled a shovel pass that Eli Manning flipped a little bit behind Wilson for an incomplete pass. Wilson was dynamic on special teams, though, with kickoff returns of 45 and 53 yards.
Eagles coach Andy Reid won a replay challenge late in the first quarter, successfully overturning what was ruled an incomplete pass to DeSean Jackson. The ruling gave Jackson an 11-yard completion as he scooped the ball into his hands before it hit the grass. … Based on his play the past two games, the Giants said Andre Brown earned time on the field with the regular offense. Brown didn’t start but actually got the first rushing attempt of the game, on the second play.
* Rolle on Lawrence Tynes missing a 54-yard field goal attempt for the game-winner: “I have all the confidence in the world in Lawrence Tynes. That was a long field goal. It shouldn’t have come down to that.’’ … Eagles kicker Alex Henery on Tynes’ miss: “He’s made great kicks over the years and it just didn’t go in for him.’’ … Ahmad Bradshaw returned after missing one game with a neck injury but had only 13 carries and 39 yards. He also caught three passes for 38 yards.