Olivier Vernon and Eli Apple are ahead of last week’s pace at least. The two defensive starters both practiced on a limited basis Thursday, giving the Giants hope they could return for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Vernon, the team’s top pass-rusher, has yet to play this season after suffering a high ankle sprain in practice Aug. 26. He also practiced on Wednesday.
“Feel great, making progress and that’s the goal, make progress,” Vernon said.
Giants coach Pat Shurmur said Vernon has looked “better” compared to last week, but his status remains in doubt.
“We’re hopeful,” Shurmur. “So we’ll see.”
Apple missed his first game Sunday after hurting his groin against the Cowboys on Sept. 16. The Giants’ No. 2 cornerback, he would obviously be sorely missed against the Saints’ explosive aerial attack.
“There’s a chance,” Apple said, referring to his chances of playing.
For the second straight day, defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison (knee), wide receiver Cody Latimer (knee) and running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) were held out of practice. But Shurmur said he doesn’t expect Harrison to be a concern for Sunday and thinks he could play even without practicing this week.
“I wouldn’t be worried about Snacks,” Shurmur said. “He’ll be there.”
Linebacker Connor Barwin (knee) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton (groin) were limited after missing practice on Wednesday. Wide receiver/returner Stacy Coley (hamstring) was also limited.
Asked about Shurmur comparing him to former All-Pro Giants tight end Mark Bavaro, Rhett Ellison smiled and said, “I think it was mostly a mentality thing.”
Ellison, whose role will increase with the injury to starter Evan Engram (MCL sprain), is familiar with Bavaro, a member of the Giants’ Ring of Honor. One of the most famous plays of his career came in a Monday night game against the 49ers, when Bavaro carried six 49ers defenders for several yards. One of them was his father, Rik.
“So, I’m sure my dad is not happy about the comparison,” Ellison joked.
The Giants’ return game has been a struggle, and it was poor against the Texans. Coley had two punt returns for 6 yards, two kick returns for 27 yards, and also fumbled. The problems obviously extend past Coley. Special teams coach Thomas McGaughey said the Giants’ youth is showing, they need to block better and execute fundamentals.
“There are a lot of things that we’re doing wrong that we need to get corrected, and we will get those things corrected,” McGaughey said.