Scratch one defensive end from tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Bears — the game where the starters will receive extensive work before not playing much at all in the preseason finale. Jason Pierre-Paul did not practice yesterday and was not on the field because of his latest bout with back spasms.
These are nothing new for Pierre-Paul, and Giants coach Tom Coughlin said the third-year star could have practiced if needed. The Giants, however, are taking no chances and not only was Pierre-Paul held out of practice but he has already been ruled out of the game in two days.
“It’ll end up being precautionary based on what we had to do today by not letting him work,’’ Coughlin said. “He would have practiced and played, but the medical people kind of said this would be the best way to go so that we ensure going forward he’ll be OK.’’
* CB Corey Webster likened pranks on young players to family chores and said he had no regrets about tweeting a picture this summer of rookie WR Rueben Randle all tied up while in a cold tub. The picture became a talking point after a video of Pierre-Paul dumping Prince Amukamara into a cold tub went viral.
“That goes on in the world,’’ Webster said. “Little brothers and sisters, you have that in the house, you make the little sisters wash the dishes. It’s the same thing here. That’s just something you have to go through. It’s tradition. It’s nothing to hurt anybody.’’
* Safety Will Hill was excused from practice because of a death in the family. … CB Michael Coe returned to practice. … Still out: LT Will Beatty (back), LB Michael Boley (hamstring), CB Jayron Hosley (toe) and DT Marvin Austin (back). Hosley continues to wear a protective boot on his right foot and he will not play vs. the Bears because of the turf toe injury suffered against the Jets. The hope is Hosley — who said his toe is still sore — can get back on the field next week.
“It’s been going pretty good for these past couple of days,’’ Hosley said. “I’m feeling good about it.’’
* Coughlin said he asked WR Hakeem Nicks “to go a little harder’’ in practice yesterday because today’s session will be merely a walk-through. “He actually looked better,’’ Coughlin said. “I liked what I saw.’’
* TE Martellus Bennett caught a touchdown pass during practice and did a dance similar to the one Victor Cruz has made famous. Bennett called it his Tostitos dance, to go along with Cruz’ salsa.