The Giants would feel better about their offensive line heading into Sunday’s game against the Chiefs if veteran David Diehl could be a part of the depleted starting unit.
Diehl is coming back from surgery on his right thumb. He practiced for the second straight day on Thursday. He might not be activated, and if he is, it is highly unlikely he will be deemed ready for full-time action, so he might be used as an extra blocker in jumbo packages.
“It’s just getting used to using my hands and punching and getting comfortable with it, which is something I haven’t done in five weeks,’’ said Diehl, who if he plays will have to wear a large wrap to protect his right thumb. “To sit here and say that I’m going to be ready on Sunday when it’s only the second day, I can’t say that. But one thing I can say is that I went out there, pushed myself harder today than I did yesterday. … I’m making improvements each and every day. I can’t ask for anything more than that.’’
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Newly signed FB John Conner hasn’t completely left the Jets behind. He still is wearing the green-trimmed shoulder pads he was assigned by the Jets two years ago.
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Josh Brown missed a 38-yard field goal Sunday with the Giants trailing 7-0 to blunt any possible momentum the struggling squad was trying to muster.
“Any time the ball’s that close, you got to make it,’’ special teams coach Tom Quinn said. “Josh is disappointed, we’re all disappointed he didn’t make it. You’re looking for some spark and that was definitely not a spark.’’
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CB Corey Webster (hip) did not practice and did not look spry walking around the locker room, so figure he misses his second straight game. LB Jacquian Williams (knee) also did not practice, but coach Tom Coughlin said he expects Williams to work on Friday. … TE Adrien Robinson sat out and his left foot is back in a walking boot, meaning the Giants will have to use Larry Donnell and Bear Pascoe to help fortify the pass protection against the Chiefs, who lead the league with 15 sacks. … A day after he was limited, cornerback Terrell Thomas (knee) sat out. … LB Spencer Paysinger (hip) and safety Cooper Taylor (shoulder) were limited.
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Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said the play of his linebackers has not been outstanding or poor.
“We’ve been middle-of-the-pack,”said, Fewell who added he is trying to get rookie DE Damontre Moore additional work in practice to help for the time he missed sitting out with a shoulder injury. “We’re trying to slowly integrate him into the fold to help us.’’