Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News
After spending the last two years talking about his game, Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin is ready to finally play in one this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The last time Marvin Austin played in a football game, it was December of 2009. He was a junior at the University of North Carolina, playing against Pittsburgh in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
The Giants? second-year defensive tackle never expected to wait nearly three years before taking the field again. And now he is finally expected to end the wait against Tampa Bay on Sunday, when he is slated to make his NFL debut.
?It?s been extremely tough,? Austin said. ?You just try to be optimistic, try to be positive.?
PHOTOS: GIANTS IN THEIR EARLY FOOTBALL YEARS
The Giants? 2011 second-round pick missed his senior season at North Carolina after being suspended for accepting improper benefits, and he sat out his rookie season last year after tearing a pectoral muscle during the preseason.
Austin, who has overcome a back injury, returned to practice this week and is listed as probable.
?As I say, it?s going to be worth the wait when I get my chance to go out there and play,? he said.
LEGRAND ENTRANCE
Former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand will take part in the ceremonial coin toss on Sunday. LeGrand, who was paralyzed after suffering a neck injury in a game against Army at MetLife Stadium in 2010, is an honorary member of the Buccaneers, who are coached by former Rutgers head man Greg Schiano. LeGrand has also made an impression on Tom Coughlin.
?God bless Eric,? said Coughlin. ?We all wish Eric the very very best. It?s gonna be very nice that he?s with us.?
NICKS SITS AGAIN
WR Hakeem Nicks (questionable) sat out practice. It was his second missed practice in three days, something that may be the norm for Nicks as he continues to progress from the broken right foot he suffered in May.
RIVERS REVERSAL
After spending all week saying his hamstring would not be an issue, LB Keith Rivers is now doubtful. Rivers said he would ?defer? to the coaches, but wants to play.
?You have to (rush back),? he said. ?You don?t want to get left behind. That?s the one thing you don?t want to happen.?
CRUZ MOURNING
WR Victor Cruz missed practice to attend the funeral of his grandmother, Lucy Molina, who died on Monday at age 77. . . . CB Prince Amukamara (ankle) said he felt ?good? and hopes to play. He is listed as questionable. . . . C David Baas (hip) missed practice, although he is probable to play Sunday. . . . DE Adewale Ojomo (hamstring) is out, while T James Brewer (back), RB Da?Rel Scott (hamstring) and CB Michael Coe are probable.
1000 words ron white ron white buckyballs buckyballs awake mario batali
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.