As a cancer survivor, Mark Herzlich already is a feel-good story for the Giants.
The former Boston College standout now appears likely to get the chance to be a feel-good story as a football player tomorrow night.
With starting outside linebacker Michael Boley doubtful to play because of a bad hamstring, coach Tom Coughlin said yesterday Herzlich could start against the rival Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
Herzlich, whose cancer battle was recently chronicled in his own segment on “60 Minutes,” appears to have a good chance to get the nod because the Giants are down on fellow rookie linebacker Greg Jones’ coverage skills and decision-making.
The undrafted Herzlich has played in nine games this season, but all his snaps have been on special teams.
“I’m itching to get out there on defense,” Herzlich said.
Coughlin said Herzlich would get the nod over Jones and the team’s two other rookie linebackers, Jacquian Williams and Spencer Paysinger, because of Herzlich’s smarts and knowledge of the defense.
“We want to see what [Herzlich] can do and how he will play in there,” Coughlin said. “We already experienced the fact that he communicates well. He seems to know the defense and he can get us lined up.”
* Coughlin didn’t appear nearly as optimistic as Ahmad Bradshaw after Bradshaw’s prediction Thursday that he would return from a broken bone in his foot next week against the Saints.
“He needs to do some things on the practice field,” Coughlin said. “I know the position of the medical staff, exactly, [and] they are not quite ready to turn him loose.”
* Coughlin still won’t commit to letting first-round pick Prince Amukamara make his long-awaited debut tomorrow night, but all signs point to it.
Amukamara hasn’t played since the cornerback suffered a broken bone in his foot at the start of training camp, but Coughlin said the Giants’ caution is about to end.
The Giants also are more likely to debut Amukamara this week as a way to let him get his feet wet at home rather than Nov. 28 in the din of the Superdome against the Saints’ Drew Brees.
“He seems to have run around a little better this week compared to other weeks,” Coughlin said. “We will see.”
* The Giants got an injury scare this week when Justin Tuck’s foot was stepped on in practice Thursday, causing him to mildly sprain his ankle. Tuck sat out practice yesterday, but said he will play against Philadelphia.
“If the Good Lord lets me make it to the game, I’ll be out there,” Tuck said yesterday with a smile.
* It doesn’t appear the Giants will have to worry about Stacey Andrews making his first career start at left tackle tomorrow night after Will Beatty returned to practice yesterday.
Beatty had been held out of Thursday’s workout when recurring back problems flared up, but Coughlin described that as a precaution.