There was calm yesterday after the storm created by Osi Umenyiora following the Giants 40-9 loss to the Panthers, with coach Tom Coughlin saying the unhappy defensive end, “is very much in our plans.”
Umenyiora, ousted from the starting lineup four games ago, complained that he played “five snaps,” called his situation “utter nonsense” and said it could have been his final game with the Giants.
Coughlin met with his 14-player leadership council, of which Umenyiora is a part.
“I did not spend any individual time with him,” Coughlin said. “I would just tell you he is a very, very important asset to our team, and just leave it at that.”
Coughlin also said he believes Umenyiora spoke out of frustration. Umenyiora actually played 14 of the Panthers’ 67 plays.
“It should have been more, probably, but that’s the nature of the offensive team that we are playing,” Coughlin said.
* You knew this was coming: Coughlin said running back Brandon Jacobs “has had some issues along the way” with his knee all season.
* It’s highly likely that four injured players — cornerbacks Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, right tackle Kareem McKenzie and left guard Rich Seubert — will not be available to play against the Vikings.
All or some of them will likely be placed on injured reserve to allow the Giants to sign players off their practice squad that they’d like to protect for next season.
* The 2010 schedule is almost set for the Giants.
In addition to their NFC East games, they will host the Bears, Lions, Jaguars, Titans and the third-place team in the NFC South (currently the Panthers). They will play non-division road games at Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis and Seattle.