GIANT NOTES
Did Jim Fassel quit on his players when he decided not to call any time outs in the final three minutes of the Giants’ 34-25 loss to the Packers? Fassel yesterday explained his curious actions by stating he was simply trying to protect his players.
With several key players injured during the game, Fassel said he did not want to risk further injury. “If we have a reasonable chance to win that game, I will go to extreme measures to win the game,” Fassel said. “I looked at that game and came to the conclusion our chances were going to be reasonably slim.”
Fassel said moments earlier, trainer Ronnie Barnes informed him that defensive tackle Keith Hamilton and safety Shaun Williams had both suffered torn medial collateral knee ligaments, Tiki Barber was out with a sprained shoulder and Amani Toomer had a concussion.
“If Kerry [Collins] goes out with a [serious knee injury] while I’m trying to salvage something that we have a very small chance of winning, I’m not only wiping out this season, I’m wiping out next season.”
All the injured players should be fine with rest and rehabilitation, Fassel said.
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Jason Sehorn will need surgery to repair a small hole inside his right knee. Fassel said Sehorn could be on crutches for as long as six weeks, but that the procedure is not as serious as repairing ligament damage. . . . Morten Andersen hit 23 of 28 field goal attempts this season, but will become a free agent and may not be back if the team believes youngster Owen Pochman is ready for full-time duty.
“I think I showed what I’m all about,” said Andersen, who is 41 and finished his 20th NFL season. “They know what I can do. My skins have been solidly planted on the wall.”
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Luke Petitgout is bracing for another upheaval on the offensive line. “Hopefully not too much,” Petitgout said. “I’ve played with these guys for two years now and been through a lot of battles.”