Aaron Ross never got on the field last week against Peyton Manning and the Broncos, as there were no snaps defensively for the Giants’ veteran cornerback.
Now, against the Panthers this week, Ross likely will be not only playing on defense, but starting.
“I think we’ve all gone through that at some point in our career,” Ross’ defensive backfield mate, Antrel Rolle, said. “We understand the nature of this business.”
Ross is probably going through it this week. Starting cornerback Corey Webster did not practice on Friday for a second straight day due to a hip problem and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Barring something unforeseen, Ross figures to move from the bench to the starting lineup, with Terrell Thomas remaining as the slot corner.
Thus, while last week was nothing for Ross, this week is probably all.
“I prepare like I’m a starter every week,” Ross said. “No matter if I play or not.”
Webster has been a model of durability through the last two-plus seasons, playing and starting the last 38 games for the Giants, in the regular season and playoffs. His loss would be significant for the 0-2 Giants, especially as they prepare for a critical game against Cam Newton, Steve Smith and the rest of the Panthers.
The Giants’ secondary is banged up — they lost safety Stevie Brown in the preseason with a torn ACL, they lost cornerback Prince Amukamara in Week 1 against the Cowboys with a concussion (when Amukamara was injured, Ross was summoned), though he is now back, and now Webster is ailing. All four starters in the secondary have dealt with a recent injury, factoring in Rolle’s sprained ankle during training camp.
Ross, 31, has started 50 games in his regular-season career and was also the starter in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI (the latter was his most recent start for the Giants). He spent his first five years with the Giants and last season with the Jaguars, appearing in 13 games while starting nine, and has been ecstatic since returning to New York. On Friday, Ross said, “This is like my home. My brothers are here.”
“Ross has been a starter in this league for a number of years,” Rolle said. “He’s played multiple positions for us, so we’re not looking for any kind of letdown. We’re looking for Ross to go in there and play ball, as he did going into the game against Dallas.”
Ross also likely will be needed to cover Smith at times, since as Ross said, “He’s pretty much all over the field.” The Giants’ best corner is Amukamara, but unless they assign him to track Smith all afternoon, Ross will get a shot at covering one of the NFL’s finest wideouts and biggest trash-talkers.
“I think there’s a lot of trash-talk between all [defensive backs] and receivers,” Ross said. “But he’s definitely a fierce competitor. I think he makes the game a lot more exciting.”
The pleasant, mild-mannered Ross was asked if he tends to talk-trash first or only respond to someone else.
“I’m kind of laid-back and quiet,” he said, “but I’ve got a little mean streak. I can get a little mean sometimes.”