The Giants offensive line continues to undergo changes based on players’ inability to stay on the field.
Their latest malady doesn’t appear to be clearing up any time soon; center David Baas missed the 38-35 loss to the Packers on Sunday with what the team described as “headaches’’ that cropped up just hours before kickoff.
Baas remains out and is undergoing tests.
“It’s much more serious than headaches, obviously,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said Wednesday.
Coughlin did not want to elaborate when asked if the health issue is more of an illness and added he really doesn’t know the full extent of the problem. Baas is also listed as having an issue with his neck. He missed games earlier this season, first with a neck burner, later with a knee injury. Baas is listed on the injury report as “neck/intense headaches.”
“All that I really have to say is that I have had neck issues,” Baas said Wednesday. “I have been dealing with it pretty much all season. These issues have stemmed into migraine issues and now we are getting a lot of tests done, some evaluations and we will let the medical staff handle all of that and make the right decision. I really want to play football but my health is very important to me. They will make the best decision.”
It looks as if the Giants will have to move forward without their starting center. Kevin Boothe moved into that spot against the Packers and will almost definitely stay there for Sunday night’s NFC East showdown with the first-place Cowboys, who lead the Giants by one game. Mitch Petrus made his first NFL start last week at left guard and likely will start again in Dallas.
Baas, asked if his season is over, said, “I am not thinking about that at all. What I am thinking about is this week and I am going to do everything that they want me to do as far as tests and getting stuff checked out and looked at. I am going to be here for meetings and whatever I can as far as getting treatment and go from there.”
The offensive line shuffle also brought in offensive tackle Tony Ugoh, who was signed to take the roster spot that belonged to Stacy Andrews, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Last Saturday, Andrews had to be hospitalized with blood clots in both lungs. Earlier this season, starting left tackle Will Beatty was lost for the season following surgery to repair a detached retina.
Ugoh started 27 games for the Colts from 2007 to 2009. He most recently played for Jim Fassel’s Las Vegas Locomotives in the United Football League and hasn’t played in the NFL since 2009. Coughlin said Ugoh worked out well and has been known as a good athlete.
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It is a positive sign for the Giants that WR Mario Manningham, who has missed the past two games with a swollen knee, was on the field and participating in individual drills.
S Kenny Phillips and DE Dave Tollefson both came out of the loss to the Packers with knee injuries, both are day-to-day, according to Coughlin. Neither practiced. Phillips rode the bike and did some knee-strengthening exercises on the side. … RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) looked as if he will be limited in practice. His backfield mate, Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice. … CB Prince Amukamara has been dealing with some back issues, Coughlin said. The rookie was able to work in practice. … DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle) is not ready and will miss another game. … Also on the injury report: LB Michael Boley (hamstring), LB Mark Herzlich (ankle), LB Spencer Paysinger (hamstring).