NFL

Prince on mend, could return for Giants in Week 2

CORNER BACK? Prince Amukamara looked down (inset) after injuring his ankle on Aug. 24, but he says he’s not out and may return Sunday to help the secondary, including Justin Tryon (30) and Antrel Rolle, who were scorched by Miles Austin and the Cowboys last week. (Reuters (2))

The last we saw of Prince Amukamara, he had not yet been given medical clearance to try to run on his high ankle sprain. The Giants cornerback was not expressing much confidence he was going to be making jarring moves on the field any time soon.

Well, perhaps time does heal. Or perhaps urgency does inspire. The too often missing in action Amukamara was on the scene yesterday, moving across the grass inpractice and looking no worse for the wear. After sounding so cautious a few days earlier, hemade it clear he believes he’ll play in Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.

“I’m very—What’s the word you guys use? — optimistic,’’ Amukamara said.

That’s not the word always used around Amukamara, whose career has been a series of starts and stops. But as the Giants, still smarting from their 24-17 season-opening loss to the Cowboys, reconvened after a long three-day-weekend off, Amukamara was among them, taking part inaportion of every drill, running, backpedaling, looking as if he could get out there for real in six days.

“I did everything besides special teams,’’ Amukamara said. “It felt good. I just went out there to see what I could do and see if I had any limitations. I didn’t aggravate it and it felt good. I feel like I’m still not running how I used to but I still feel good out there.

“I think it’s good enough, just knowing if it’s an injury or if it’s just you’re hurt.’’

Amukamara will have to endure soreness and discomfort, because there is a great deal of pain associated with high ankle sprains.

“I’m sure he’s gonna have to work through some things,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said, adding, “It was good to see him out there.’’

He wasn’t out there last Wednesday night, as the Giants gave Michael Coehis first NFL start. But Coe was unable to finish the game before straining a hamstring. The Giants struggled in coverage all night against Tony Romo and the specter of playing this next game — or any game — with Coe hobbled, Justin Tryon in a starting role or toomuch on rookie Jayron Hosley’s plate is not something Coughlin wants to dwell on for very long.

“There’s always a sense of urgency in my head in trying to get back on the field,’’ Amukamara said. “Of course just with our cornerback situation and with guys going down, that does put pressure on me to try to get back on the field that much more. I’m doing everything I can.’’

Of course, it is not as if Amukamara is a proven commodity and his return will cure whatever ails the defensive backfield. His next NFL start will be his first and his rookie season was ruined by a broken foot that limited him to seven games and robbed him of virtually every ounce of the indoctrination he needed.

Clearly, if he plays, Amukamara will not be painfree, but he would show plenty to his teammates by pushing his way into the starting lineup, or at least filling a reserve role if the coaching staff deems he’s not ready for constant pounding. It has been an eventful ride for the 2011 first-round draft pick from Nebraska, who has spent plenty of time in the cold tub—and not only when his teammates have seen fit to dump him in one.

After he injured his ankle in the thirdpreseason game, Amukamara knew he was hurting, but couldn’t get off the field quick enough before the Bears ran another play. Amukamara stayed in and actually made the tackle of Brandon Marshall beforehehad to be helped off.

Asked what that display from Amukamara showed, Justin Tuck said, “Stupidity,’’ before growing serious and offering up some praise.

“I don’t think his toughness is ever a big question,’’ Tuck said. “I think he’s a toughminded guy and I think that’s only getting better, so hopefully this new injury hasn’t been a setback for him mentally because I thought that hewas making tremendous strides in that department before the injury.’’

paul.schwartz@nypost.com