Tom Coughlin began his Thursday morning press conference by saying he was getting some players back onto the field for practice. That’s a glimmer of encouraging news for the 0-6 Giants as they get back to work in preparation for Monday night’s game against the Vikings.
Center David Baas, who has missed the past three games with a neck injury, returned to practice on a limited basis. The same for cornerback Jayron Hosley, who was out the past two games with a strained hamstring.
Running back Brandon Jacobs was able to practice, which must be a relief for the Giants. He sat out Monday’s practice with a slight hamstring strain he took out of the Week 6 loss to the Bears in Chicago, a game in which Jacobs carried the ball 22 times and ran for 106 yards.
Cornerback Corey Webster, out the past four games with a strained groin, will return “real slow but will work’’ in practice, Coughlin said.
Newly signed running back Peyton Hillis, wearing No. 44, was on the field for the first time for the Giants. Coughlin said Hillis is familiar with the Giants offense, which is basically the same system run in Tampa under offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, a former Giants offensive assistant. Coughlin said he believes Hillis can be ready in time to play against the Vikings.
Also on the injury report: TE Adrien Robinson (foot), S Cooper Taylor (shoulder), CB Terrell Thomas (knee) and RB David Wilson (neck). Robinson and Taylor participated in practice, Thomas and Wilson did not. Wilson looked frisky on the side, but he’s dealing with a serious neck issue and has not been medically cleared.
Running back Andre Brown, on short-term injured reserve, was on the field working in individual drills for the first time. Brown broke a bone in his left leg in the final preseason game and is eligible to return for the Nov. 10 game against the Raiders.
Defensive tackle Markus Kuhn, on the physically unable to perform list following last year’s knee surgery, also did individual drills for the first time. The Giants have a three-week window to either activate Kuhn or else keep him on PUP for the remainder of the season.