Defensive end Justin Tuck did not participate in Giants practice Friday, a potentially alarming development heading into Sunday’s NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Falcons.
The Giants said Tuck’s issue involves his shoulder. He’s listed as probable for the game.
Tom Coughlin downplayed it, saying he did not expect the shoulder to hamper Tuck on Sunday.
“He was just sore. He’s sore,” Coughlin said. “It’s not what you want, but we had good work out of everybody else.”
Tuck has been hampered all season with neck, groin, ankle and toe woes, but the team’s defensive captain was not even on the injury report this week, practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuck would not answer any questions about his shoulder or his status, saying, “No comment” to all of them.
If Tuck is limited Sunday, the Giants defensive line will be significantly altered. Osi Umenyiora could get more playing time, though how many snaps he can give the Giants is questionable because he returned last week from a sprained ankle. Reserve end Dave Tollefson could see more time.
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TE Jake Ballard (knee), who missed the prior two games, said he participated in nearly the entire practice and is set for Sunday.
“Absolutely. No doubt,” Ballard said when asked if he’d play. “I feel great. I’m not 100 percent, but good enough to be effective and help out.”
Additional reporting by George Willis
mark.hale@nypost.com