Rookie defensive end Damontre Moore, coming off a very strong preseason debut last week in Pittsburgh, is one of 13 players not expected to play tonight for the Giants in their MetLife preseason opener against the Colts. Thus, Moore will not be able to build on the momentum he generated after a solid training camp and more than solid first game.
Such is the way NFL life often works with rookies, as staying on the field often provides as much of a challenge as getting something accomplished while on the field. Moore, the third-round draft pick from Texas A&M, has shown natural pass-rush ability in camp and put that on display against the Steelers. He also turned heads with a blocked punt, using his long arms to carve a place for himself immediately on special teams. But he came out of the game with a shoulder contusion, didn’t practice this past week and will sit this game out.
Veteran cornerback Corey Webster, slowed all week with what the Giants are calling “soreness,’’ also won’t play. Another cornerback, Terrell Thomas, will have to wait to make his preseason debut. Thomas’ workload has increased on a slow and steady basis in practice and he’s had not setbacks on this surgically-repaired right knee. The Giants would like to get him in at least one preseason game but also do not want to in any way rush Thomas, who might have been too aggressive last summer when he re-tore his right ACL.
Safety Antrel Rolle, shedding the protective boot on his sprained right ankle after only one day, is making progress but won’t play vs. the Colts.
Two veterans, defensive end Justin Tuck and receiver Hakeem Nicks, will play for the first time this preseason. Tusk has missed time with stiffness in his back and Nicks has been brought along slowly following off-season knee surgery. Rookie first-round pick Justin Pugh will make his preseason debut, likely playing in a reserve role at right and possibly also left tackle.
The list of Giants who won’t play vs. the Colts:
WR Brandon Collins (hamstring), WR Jerrel Jernigan (hamstring), CB Corey Webster (soreness), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), S Antrel Rolle (ankle), S Cooper Taylor (hamstring), RB Da’Rel Scott (shoulder), FB Henry Hynoski (PUP/knee), G Chris DeGeare (ankle), DT Markus Kuhn (PUP/knee), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), TE Larry Donnell (knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (PUP/back).