Asked yesterday if the Giants’ newest receiver, Brandon Stokley, is a quick study, coach Tom Coughlin said, “Oh, yeah.”
Stokley smiled when asked the same question.
“I’m not the brightest guy, I’ll be the first to admit that, but football-wise I think I’m pretty intelligent,” said Stokley, who was signed Thursday. “I think I pick up on things pretty quick. Football is football, routes are routes — at some point you just got to go out there and play. That’s what I’m going to try to do if I’m playing on Monday.”
There’s very little “if” involved as far as the Giants are concerned. The team wants Stokley on the field Monday night against the Rams. The 35-year old, entering his 13th NFL season, likely will play in the slot.
“His maneuverability,” Coughlin said, listing Stokley’s attributes. “His ability to put his body in the right position, and once he gets real sharp, he catches pretty much everything. He is something a quarterback can count on.”
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DE Justin Tuck also was limited, but he did participate in the team portions of practice, a positive sign after he sat out the opener with stiffness in his neck.
“He has worked every day, so we will see how it goes,” Coughlin said. “Hopefully, the doctors will go on with it.”
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DE Osi Umenyiora was on the side during practice, working on pass-rush moves.
“He looked pretty good,” Coughlin said. “That is a good thing. It hadn’t been that way for a couple days.”
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The Redskins game was costly for the Giants’ two starting safeties. Antrel Rolle was fined $20,000 for spearing TE Fred Davis and leading with his helmet. Kenny Phillips was fined $10,000 for hitting Davis in the head and neck area. Rolle was called for a penalty, Phillips was not.
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Rams RB Steven Jackson (quad) did not practice and is unlikely to play against the Giants. . . . DE Justin Trattou cleared waivers and was re-signed to the practice squad.
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Members of the Giants 1986 Super Bowl team will sign autographs for fans from 7-8 p.m. at the four main entrances of MetLife Stadium before Monday night’s game.