EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants had two running backs, two linebackers, a star defensive end and an offensive lineman who started last week miss practice on Thursday, their longest and most important workout of the week.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon (ankle), running backs Orleans Darkwa (back) and Shane Vereen (calf), linebackers Jonathan Casillas (ankle/wrist) and J.T. Thomas (groin) and offensive lineman Brett Jones (hip) did not practice. Jones was the only new addition to the team’s injury report.
The Giants play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, seemingly with B.J. Goodson back as the starting middle linebacker. Goodson practiced Thursday for the second straight day in a limited capacity after missing the past two games with a shin injury.
Running back and the offensive line are two positions that could be shorthanded come Sunday. With Vereen and Darkwa struggling to get fit for this week’s game, it could create an opportunity for rookie running back Wayne Gallman.
Gallman has been inactive the first three games of the season.
The Giants’ offensive line could be looking at its third different starting combination in four weeks. Right tackle Bobby Hart is also still recovering from an ankle injury and just returned to practice in a limited capacity Thursday for the first time since aggravating the injury in a Week 2 loss to the Lions.
Veteran D.J. Fluker could factor into the equation with Hart not at 100 percent and Jones now dealing with a hip injury.
There does appear to be optimism with Vernon and Casillas, who were running and working with trainers on the side during Thursday’s practice.
"It’s coming along great," Vernon said.
Linebacker J.T. Thomas (groin) was placed on injured reserve.
