Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara entered the offseason training schedule expecting to be the third cornerback. After Terrell Thomas aggravated his ACL and went down for the year, Prince was looked upon to step up to be a starter opposite Corey Webster.
That was put on hold after Amukamara went down with a high ankle sprain in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Amukamara has been unable to participate in practice or drills since then. Until now.
Amukamara felt confident enough to test his ankle on Sunday with some running and was pleased with how it responded. The Giants training staff also felt the ankle was good to go, at least enough for Amukamara to participate in practice.
Addressing the media before practice Amukamara said he was “optimistic” to take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the regular season. While Prince didn’t practice at full speed he did participate in at least part of every drill.
This is a good sign for the Giants as they have been hit hard by injury and suspension in their secondary to start the year. Michael Coe was forced into action as a starter last Wednesday in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants secondary looked overmatched as Kevin Ogletree burned them for two of Tony Romo’s three passing touchdowns.
Getting Amukamara is huge for the Giants as Coe was yet another victim to the injury bug that has seemed to invade the secondary each of the past two seasons. Coe’s hamstring will likely keep him out for another week or two at the very least.
The Giants need all the help they can get in their secondary and getting Prince back on the field is a step in the right direction. Now, if only he can stay healthy.
