Justin Pugh said he will have six seats occupied with family and friends — his parents, brother, sister and two of his “buddies’’ — for his NFL preseason debut, Sunday night against the Colts.
The first-round pick out of Syracuse missed 11 days dealing with a concussion he suffered early in training camp. He did not make the trip to Pittsburgh for the Giants’ preseason opener, but after receiving medical clearance, was on the field this past week and will play in a reserve role, likely at both right and left tackle, in his first game action.
“No pressure at all,’’ Pugh said. “I think when you step out there, it doesn’t matter what round you’re drafted in. You’re in the lineup against a guy and that’s the battle, regardless of a first-round pick and wherever they’re from. So just go out there and play every play. Do what I have to do and do my job.
“I always get nervous before a game, but once you start playing, it all goes away. Probably right before the game, I’ll be a little nervous, but when I step on the field and get that first hit in, I’m good to go.’’
Pugh came into camp set to compete with 11-year veteran David Diehl for the starting job at right tackle. But Diehl arrived in superb shape and Pugh missed time with the concussion, so the right tackle spot is likely Diehl’s to lose. Interestingly, since returning Pugh has practiced at both tackle spots, perhaps an indication he is initially being groomed as a swing tackle in the jumbo packages when an extra lineman is used.
“I feel comfortable with both positions,’’ Pugh said. “It really is dependent on where we need me at any time. Wherever the coaches want me to play, that’s where I’ll be at.’’
* Former Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, recently removed from the physically unable to perform list, won’t play tonight for the Colts. … Cornerback Terrell Thomas won’t play for the Giants, but is hoping to make his preseason debut against the Jets. … Right guard Chris Snee will play for the first time since offseason hip surgery. … Defensive end Justin Tuck will play after missing last week against the Steelers with back stiffness.
* Jobs remain open at kick returner and punt returner.
For kickoffs, rookie running back Michael Cox got first crack last week, but didn’t get to return any because of touchbacks. The hope is someone can emerge to allow David Wilson to concentrate on his role as the starting running back.
On punts, wide receiver Rueben Randle appears to have the edge, with cornerback Jayron Hosley next in line, though wide receiver Kevin Hardy and cornerback Laron Scott, two roster long shots, also will be given a look.
* Tight end Larry Donnell , who has been getting reps at fullback, was able to participate in Saturday’s walkthrough despite leaving Friday’s practice with a sprained left knee. He’s unlikely to play.