The backflips won’t be back this season.
Giants rookie running back David Wilson punctuated all three of his touchdowns Sunday by doing a celebratory backflip. But yesterday he said he won’t do the flip anymore this year, due to worries about him getting injured.
“I think I’ll let that celebration go for the rest of the season,” Wilson said on ESPN. “I think it’s for the team’s best interests. … I don’t want to make anyone upset or nervous or scared. I want to do something that people enjoy rather than worry about.”
During the week, Wilson said he was not instructed to stop doing the flip, but he did say general manager Jerry Reese “told me if I get hurt then he’ll be in my grill.” Defensive captain Justin Tuck asked Wilson to cut out the flips because of the injury risk.
Wilson said on ESPN he doesn’t have a touchdown celebration plan now.
“First thing is just get in the end zone,” he said. “I haven’t really thought of a dance or anything or something to celebrate. Maybe it’ll be spontaneous. But the main thing is, just get in the end zone first.”
Wilson is slated to make his first career start tomorrow because Ahmad Bradshaw (sprained knee) is out, but Tom Coughlin plans to keep using him as kick returner.
“I’m not taking him out of that,” the coach said.
Wilson won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his three returns of at least 50 yards, including his 97-yard return for a TD.
➤ S Kenny Phillips (knee), CB Prince Amukamara (hamstring) and S Tyler Sash (hamstring) are also out. LB Michael Boley (back) was limited in practice yesterday and is questionable. Both Coughlin and Boley believe he’ll play.
WR Hakeem Nicks (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (back), C David Baas (shoulder) and TE Travis Beckum (knee) are probable.
“I feel real good actually right now,” said Nicks, who’s been hampered by injury this season. “I had a good practice [yesterday], [Thursday] as well. The legs are feeling pretty good, so I’m looking forward to playing.”
➤ Falcons WR Roddy White (knee) did not practice this week and is listed as questionable. White has played in all 125 regular-season games in his eight seasons. … Amukamara was fined $15,750 for a horse-collar tackle on Saints running back Pierre Thomas. … Matt Rhule, the Giants assistant offensive line coach, has been offered the Temple head coaching job, according to the AP.