KANSAS CITY – David Diehl is active and in uniform for the first time this season for the Giants as they look to salvage their season Sunday against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Diehl was listed as doubtful heading into the game, which meant the Giants believed he had only a 25 percent chance of playing. He received medical clearance on Friday, as he returned to practice during the week with his surgically-repaired right thumb heavily wrapped to prevent further injury.
The Giants badly need something to go right on their offensive line, which was devastated and dominated in last week’s 38-0 loss to the Panthers in Carolina. Right guard Chris Snee and center David Baas both struggled in that game and both are inactive on Sunday, as Snee is dealing with a hip issue and Baas is out with a neck injury. Jim Cordle will replace Baas at center, giving Cordle his first NFL start. James Brewer replaces Snee, giving Brewer his second NFL start.
Diehl admitted during the week that is he not ready for extensive action, as he hasn’t played in a game since Aug. 18, when he hurt his thumb in a preseason game against the Colts. If he’s used in the game, it will likely be as an extra blocker as a tight end in the jumbo package. Diehl and Brandon Mosley are the only reserve offensive linemen active for the game.
With Henry Hynoski out for the season with a fractured shoulder, Bear Pascoe starts at fullback. John Conner, signed early in the week, is active.
The inactives: Snee, Baas, C Corey Webster, S Cooper Taylor, TE Adrien Robinson, DT Johnathan Hankins, QB Ryan Nassib.