Injuries are a tired but ongoing story with the Giants. Once again, they do not know about the availability of some of their most indispensable players heading into what looms as a huge game in Week 6. Count receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle and cornerback Prince Amukamara as question marks.
The Giants did not practice Wednesday, but if they had, Beckham would not have participated. Beckham came out of Sunday night’s 30-27 victory over the 49ers with a hamstring issue, saying he felt “a tug’’ on the hamstring. Though Beckham was able to return to the field for the final few plays – he drew a key pass interference penalty – a new hamstring situation does not bode well for the Giants as they take a three-game winning streak into Monday night’s NFC East clash with the Eagles (2-3) at Lincoln Financial Field.
“Well, it’s day-to-day,” coach Tom Coughlin said Wednesday on a conference call with Philadelphia-area media. “The trainers seem to think he’s making good progress. Hopefully we’ll get some work in before the end of the week.’’
Coughlin added he hopes to get “some work in’’ for Beckham later in the week. The Giants will practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Giants will practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Late in the fourth quarter against the 49ers, the receivers on the field were Dwayne Harris, rookie Geremy Davis and recently signed Myles White.
“We’d prefer not to do that, obviously,’’ said Coughlin, who is not counting Beckham out. “All we can do is hold onto the fact he’s a very, very competitive young man and if it’s at all possible, he’ll be ready to play.”
Beckham was having a big game against the 49ers and caught a touchdown pass late in the third quarter to put the Giants ahead 20-13. There was speculation Beckham might have tweaked his hamstring during his celebration gyrations. He said he felt it prior to scoring.
Randle, the other starting receiver, was forced out of that game, also with a hamstring issue, and his status for the week is undetermined.
Amukamara sustained an injury to his pectoral muscle in the third quarter but was able to finish the game, playing 63 of the 68 defensive snaps. His status for this week is unclear. He missed half the 2014 season with a torn biceps and played in all 16 games only once in his first four seasons.
Victor Cruz will not play against the Eagles and probably will not be ready to make his 2015 debut for several more weeks. Coughlin said Cruz has not been cleared to return to practice.
“He’s rehabbing, working indoors primarily working with trainers,’’ Coughlin said. “He’s in every meeting, however he has not been cleared to begin on the field.’’
Cruz felt he was all set to play leading up to the fourth game of the season, in Buffalo, but he re-injured his left calf Sept. 30, unable to make it out of individual drills.
Former Ohio State standout Terrelle Pryor was among the players the Giants had in Wednesday for a workout. Pryor worked out as a receiver. Last year, he worked out for the Giants as a quarterback.