NFL

Giants’ Diehl ready to lay it on the line

In a season filled with injuries and inconsistency, the Giants’ offensive line will finally get some stability with veteran David Diehl returning for his first game of the season Sunday against the Eagles.

Diehl, who was recovering from thumb surgery, said he will start at right guard, but cautioned his return wouldn’t be a panacea for all that’s gone wrong up front this season.

“Me coming back, I’m not a miracle worker,” Diehl said after Thursday’s practice. “Everything’s not gonna be perfect. Everything’s not gonna be fixed. I just know I’m gonna bring my leadership, I’m gonna bring my energy, I’m gonna fight each and every play, I’m gonna do whatever I can to bring the best out of my teammates, just as they do for me.”

With David Baas (neck) and Chris Snee (hip) still out, Sunday will mark the Giants’ fourth different offensive line combination in five games.

Jim Cordle, who started at center against Kansas City, said he has been working with the first team and is expected to start again, while Diehl likely will replace James Brewer at right guard.

Diehl has played mostly tackle in recent seasons, but the 11-year veteran said it will be no issue sliding back into a position he played early in his career, nor will it be a problem playing next to rookie right tackle Justin Pugh for the first time.

“It’s like riding a bike,” said Diehl. “This isn’t the first time this has ever happened, so I’m excited. Justin and I have been working very hard together the last week. It’s not like I haven’t been working with him, talking through things, trying to help coach him since he first got here. We’ve worked extremely hard watching film, working together, hammering out all the details of everything going into this game. Both of us are excited.”