CINCINNATI — Ereck Flowers has never looked out of place lining up at left tackle for the Giants during his first NFL training camp. But Flowers did miss time dealing with a hip flexor issue, and all concerned were frustrated, as the rookie needs as many snaps as he can get.
Flowers, the team’s first-round draft pick initially slotted to start at right tackle before Will Beatty tore a pectoral muscle, got his first look at a defensive lineman in a different uniform during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Bengals, and Flowers held up nicely going against veteran Carlos Dunlap.
“Seemed to be good,’’ Eli Manning said of his blindside protector. “Did some cadence stuff and changed some plays, he did a good job understanding what was going on and understanding the looks and what the assignments were. Seemed like he had a good day.’’
The practice was held on fields outside Paul Brown Stadium, and Coughlin said he reveres the Hall of Fame coach and founder of the Bengals.
“I was 12 years old, after a Cleveland-probably-Giant playoff game I sent him a note and he sent me back a note,’’ Coughlin said. “That was the highlight … that someone of his stature reacting to me, sitting there critiquing a game at age 12.’’
Rueben Randle sat out the late stages of practice with ice on both knees. Coughlin said Randle has tendinitis. … As promised, Victor Cruz was held out of any work against the Bengals’ defense.
Training day
Down to business
Both sides worked like adults, going hard after each other with no extracurricular stuff after the play. The warnings that fighting would not be tolerated paid off.
Toast to toast
On back-to-back plays, Andy Dalton torched the Giants’ secondary, tossing long TD passes to Jeremy Hill and A.J. Green. The Giants gave up too many big plays last season and cannot afford that this year.
Caught my eye
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves exotic blitzes and he sent defensive backs Bennett Jackson and Trevin Wade on rushes that looked as if they would have hit home in a real game.
Medical report
CB Prince Amukamara made the trip but did not practice. WR Victor Cruz was kept out of all drills against the Bengals’ defense. WR Rueben Randle sat out late with knee tendinitis.