Ahmad Bradshaw Looks To Be Ready To Go On Sunday
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Ahmad Bradshaw took part in practice on a limited basis Friday, and New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he was encouraged about having the running back for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Bradshaw, the team's leading rusher, sat out last week's 34-0 loss at Atlanta after spraining his left knee a week earlier in a win over New Orleans.
"He looked OK," Coughlin said Friday. "As long as he continues to progress the way he has, he should be able to go. He brings a lot to the table in terms of fire and energy. Those are the most important factors. Knowing him, I am not surprised that he's made his way back."
Bradshaw has 869 yards and five touchdowns this season, and has been battling a foot injury throughout the season, but the left knee injury knocked him out of the lineup. He put on shoulder pads and headed out to practice Friday for the first time in nearly two weeks. He's listed as questionable.
The Giants, Redskins and Cowboys are in a first-place tie in the NFC East at 8-6.
"He's a vital member of this team," guard Kevin Boothe said. "He's our physical, fiery leader. Whenever you get a chance to get him out there, it's good for the team."
Added tackle Will Beatty: "Having 44 out there practicing with us is great. "We just have to make sure he can play Sunday. He knows his own body and knows what he can do. As long as he's healthy, it's all about having him ready. Having him back and healthy is a good feeling."
While the Giants may get Bradshaw back, they will likely be without defensive end Justin Tuck, who sat out practice for a third straight day with a shoulder injury. Tuck is also listed as questionable.
Coughlin was hopeful to have Tuck back for Friday's practice, but he didn't take the field.
"We're going to have to wait and see on that one," Coughlin said. "I was hopeful he could go, but the medical staff didn't think he should be able to go."
If Tuck misses the game, then second-year player Adrian Tracy could get the nod.
NOTES: C David Baas (hip/shoulder) and G Chris Snee (hip) were both limited in practice. Both are listed as questionable. TE Travis Beckham (knee) and safeties Kenny Phillips (knee) and Tyler Sash (hamstring) are all listed as questionable, while CB Prince Amukamara (hamstring), WR Reuben Randle (knee), DT Chris Canty (neck) and WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) are listed as probable. Nicks practiced on a limited basis Friday.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
