It is playoff mode for Tom Coughlin, meaning information will be scarce and injury information will be non-existent, especially when it comes to key players on either side of the ball.
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Coughlin: Spagnuolo Won’t Be Distracted
Given a week to rest and rehabilitate, it’s expected that the Giants will be at full-strength for Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Eagles. Coughlin, though, offered no assurances that two important players, running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) and defensive tackle Fred Robbins (shoulder), will be on the field tomorrow for the first practice of the week.
“They seem to be doing OK,” the Giants coach said yesterday. “Hopefully we can work even if it is in a limited basis. But we will see.”
There is little doubt both will be available to play in the game. There are physical issues with other players and Coughlin said: “We still have a couple of guys that will be potentially limited or maybe out, depending on what the medical people tell me.”
That was a far cry from the call-to-arms issued by linebacker Antonio Pierce.
“Come Wednesday I am pretty sure everybody on our team will be able to practice,” he said.
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After interviewing or speaking with four teams looking for head coaches (Lions, Browns, Jets and Broncos), defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has left his long-term future behind for the challenge of stopping the Eagles.
“It won’t be a distraction,” Coughlin said. “I have talked to him. He has tried to keep me posted, but there isn’t any doubt in my mind his focus is right here preparing for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
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The Eagles have three key players hurting a bit, but not enough to keep them out: RB Brian Westbrook (knee), RT Jon Runyan (knee) and CB Asante Samuel (hip).