Giants 101

Plaxico No Shows & Camp Notes

By Rich O'Callaghan | July 25th, 2008

UPDATE:Plaxico Burress is at the afternoon practice. He is on the sidelines, not participating, but at least he is there.

UPDATE: Drew “The Shark” Rosenhaus, who is the agent for Plaxico Burress says that Plax’s absence from camp is all about his ankle and has nothing to do with his contract situation. Well, I guess this is a good thing, but it also has me wondering how bad his ankle really is. He has had six months to rehab it, shouldn’t his ankle be well enough to at least hit the practice field by now?

The Giants hit the practice field for the first time this morning and number one wide reciever Plaxico Burress was not in attendance. This was very unexpected, because Plax told members of the media earlier this week that he would be in attendance. When Tom Coughlin arrived at the field today, he was told Plaxico’s ankle was bothering him and he may not be able to practice this afternoon. Coughlin was surprised, because he was told by the medical staff that Burress could practice once per day. Now we know Burress is in Albany, but Coughlin will not rule out that the situation is contract related. Burress is unhappy with his contract, which has three years and $10.5 million dollars remaining on it. I hope that Plaxico’s absence is related to his ankle and not his contract. It is understandable if he wants to take the ankle slow at camp, however we could be in for a lengthy holdout if this is a contract issue. Stay tuned.

Gerris Wilkinson, our favorite to win the weakside linebacker job, is not practicing due to soreness in his kneecap. He dislocated that kneecap in camp last year, and the soreness is related to that injury. This is troubling news, as it could hinder him in his battle to start.
Linebackers Danny Clark (sports hernia) Zak DeOssie (back) and Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle) are only cleared to practice once per day. Also only practicing once per day are defensive end Osi Umenyiora (hip) and corner Sam Madison (sports hernia). I wonder who is playing linebacker in the morning sessions? Blackburn, Goff and Kehl?
Wide receiver and Super Bowl hero David Tyree was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He had offseason knee surgery and is running, but just straight ahead with no cutting.
David Carr strained his foot working out last week and is not practicing. This opens the door for backups Andre Woodson and Anthony Wright to prove their worth.
Tom Coughlin is raving about newly signed tackle Shane Olivea, claiming he is in great shape, motivated and hungry to play. The lack of motivation was the knock on him when he was with the Chargers, so this is a good sign.
Let’s talk highlights. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports:
The first play of camp was a 40 yard bomb from Eli Manning, who hit Amani Toomer in stride and threaded the needle through double coverage. The Toomer to Manning connection has been on point since mini camp, and Amani had many beautiful catches today. Sean O’Hara commented that there was “obviously great blocking on the play.”
Sinorice Moss fumbled an end around, which looked to be stripped by Bryan Kehl, but also made a few nice grabs. He then dropped a few. Standard Sinorice Moss.
Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw all took snaps at first team running back. They rotated.
As of now Adam Koets, not Shane Olivea is the right tackle with the second team offense, though Vacchiano reports that is likely to change once Olivea gets up to speed with the playbook and offense.
Kevin Boss got a huge ovation when he made his first catch, which was a difficult ball thrown behind him.
Mario Manningham was played step for step by Corey Webster on a deep pass thrown by Anthony Wright down the sideline. Manningham shoved Webster to the ground but was unable to make the grab.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 10:57 am and is filed under Andre Woodson, Zak DeOssie, Danny Clark, Jonathan Goff, David Carr, Bryan Kehl, Anthony Wright, Sam Madison, Plaxico Burress, Tom Coughlin, Mathias Kiwanuka, Gerris Wilkinson, David Tyree, Osi Umenyiora, Giants 101. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

19 Responses to “Plaxico No Shows & Camp Notes”

Ben Wong says:

July 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am

So how pack is it up in Albany? I really want to make it up there for a day or two.

I am glad to see Tyree on PUP. This means that he may come back mid-season. Don’t forget that this guy a probowl special teamer. Not to mention, A HERO!
Scott says:

July 25th, 2008 at 12:45 pm

Any possibility of acquiring Devin Hester?
JM Giant says:

July 25th, 2008 at 12:45 pm

Plax’s agent just said Plax is not practicing because of his ankle not the contract. Lets hope he is honest on this one.
Gerris better get himself together and start playing, he got great talent and looks like the fastest of all our LBs. I hope he wins the job.
Blackburn is also competing for the WLB spot and with Gerris and Clark not practicing he could put in work and gain the coaches confidence. Blackburn looks like a guy who will work hard for that job and a roster spot. i cant wait to see the 1st preseason game.
Rich O'Callaghan says:

July 25th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Scott -
The Bears will not be trading Devin Hester. He is the only scoring threat they have on the entire roster. No chance.
GoWrightGo says:

July 25th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

The best thing about this site is the score of the superbowl being plastered up in the right hand column for the past 6 months. I can not look at that enough frankly.

As to Plax..if anyone really believes his ankle is the reason he is not out on the practice field, I have bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Its always about the money…especially when they say it is not about the money. Plax’s deal gets done by Monday at the latest and he is worth paying more to and extending his contract. He earned it in Green Bay if you ask me…not to mention the superbowl winning catch. PAY DAT MAN HIS MONEY
carlos anderson says:

July 25th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

HOLD UP, I COULDA SWORE PLAX SAID HE WAS AT ABOUT 90 PERCENT NOT 2 LONG AGO, AND WOULD BE AT 100 VERY SOON……..ALSO, JR JUST FREED UP ALOT OF MONEY BY LETTIN MY BOY SHOCKEY GO, HELL GIVE PLAX SOME OF THAT MONEY AND KEEP IT MOVIN
Brandon Buchanan says:

July 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Plax claiming his ankle is still bum HAS to drive TC up the wall. I am a huge plax supporter, but this is beginning to wear thin. Doesn’t he think a contract would be forthcoming if he showed he wanted to but everything on the line and be on his “best behavior?” ah well..I guess I will never be able to decipher a professional athletes’ pysche.
Big Al says:

July 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

Giants will go far this year again if they stay healthy. Plax, Jacobs always seems to be hurting and that could be an issue
carlos anderson says:

July 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

RIGHT BRANDON, I THOUGHT HE LEARNED HIS LESSON EARLY THIS SUMMER WHEN HE BACKED DOWN FROM HIS FIRST STATEMENT THAT HE WASN’T GOIN BE IN CAMP…..ITS SAD, AND I’M GETTIN TIRED OF HEARIN THEM SAY I GOTTA LOOK OUT FOR MY FAMILY…….MOFO U EARNIN MILLIONS, I CAN’T EVEN GET A 100K
aston mar says:

July 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

carlos anderson - learn how to play pro level football & u won’t have that problem loser
Mike D says:

July 25th, 2008 at 8:01 pm

CARLOS ANDERSON- MUST EVERY POST BE IN FREAKIN CAPS??????????????
David Gruenbaum says:

July 25th, 2008 at 9:16 pm

Carlos, I agree that, when a player is already making millions per year, that “look out for my family” line comes across as lame nonsense. It’s strikes me as quite OK, and far more honest and dignified, for the player to say he wants all the $ he can get.
jason210 says:

July 26th, 2008 at 6:20 am

A few things, first these guys have to retire at an early age, and there is a good chance this is the only job they’ll ever have, unless they get a job announcing. figure you live to be 75 and divide how much they made over 45 years and its usually not nearly as much as you think it is.

THat being said, I think plax’s ankle was fine all last year too. The dude does not like to practice, which is why pittsburgh traded him. Thats bad for team morale, but you can;t argue with his results on sundays. Why are all WRs a huge PITA?
mlj says:

July 26th, 2008 at 11:08 am

I do not mind a player trying to get all he can, because as jason210 stated, it is a very short career. My only problem is you should do your job while your agent works out the details….I know it is done for leverage but still, if you are cashing your paycheck you should show up for work.

That said, I am thrilled camp is here and can’t wait to see how the “new look” Giants will do in defending their title. With Barber, Shockey and Strahan all gone, this really is a new team and a new era.

http://www.myteamrivals.typepad.com/newyorkgiants
Rich O'Callaghan says:

July 26th, 2008 at 11:11 am

Ashton Mar -

That was pretty funny
Todd B says:

July 26th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Ben, I just back from camp after being there friday and saturday. Eli looked incredibly sharp. Brandon Jacobs is absolute monster huge. Aaron ross and corey webster look to be the corners we have been searching for the future. Justin Tuck nicest guy in the world. Eli might be the biggiest jerk when it comes to giving autographs though he wont sign nothing. Madison Hedgcock nicest guy in the world spentmore than two hours signing autographs. Albany is great got a ball with over 30 signatures including osi…get there if you can
GUARD53 says:

July 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

jason210 you know it really brings tears to my eyes when they say these jocks ( who never did a days maual labor in their life ) piss and moan about a short carer while racking in millions for every one of those years !!! have them try working all their lifes for what average joe slob makes !!! i don’t think to many people would pass up $M for one year and bitch about it . just mo .
Los says:

July 27th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

This post has nothing to do with this topic but I wanted others to read my post (its a few days late but wanted others to see it) that David’s projected 53 man roster has 2 projections that are not realistic and no one else but me has noticed it.

David and everyone else that didn’t notice the questionable roster projections,

David…you have the Giants carrying only FOUR CBs!!!! and FIVE safetys!!! The Giants will sure be in trouble when facing teams that run 4 WR sets and if there are injuries to the CB

and

You have the Giants carrying EIGHT LBs!!! The Giants do not need 8 LBs when only 3 will be on the field at a time.

Take that extra safety and extra linebacker spots and add to more CBs to your roster and then you have a realistic shot.
carlos anderson says:

July 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am

I’m sorry Mike D, i’ll try to keep my caps lock off (not a promise, but will try since i see it annoys folks which is not my purpose at all).

Aston Mar, what does me knowing how to play professional football hafta do with this conversation? Actually I know how, and I played at a Division 1A college for 3 years bro, but that is neither here nor there. (note, we suppose to be in the brotherhood together champ, we all giants fans)

As far as the salary goes, like David said, hell just man up and say hey I want every dollar I can get….i’ll respect you more by saying just that, because I understand their careers are not long and they can be cut at any moment.