GIANT NOTES
ALBANY – Jeremy Shockey yesterday called the way NFL teams run training camps a “debacle” and insists the rugged two-a-day practices serve mainly to get players worn down and injured.
Shockey, back to action on a limited basis after suffering a concussion last week, will not be cleared to play in Friday’s preseason opener in Baltimore.
The injury came when Shockey lunged to reach an Eli Manning pass, was hit with a glancing blow by safety Will Demps and then crashed head-first to the grass.
Shockey maintains that today’s players do not need to be put through the rigors that are a part of the annual summer football ritual.
“This whole debacle, this training camp was designed back in the day for players who weren’t in shape, to get in shape,” Shockey said. “Now they have the offseason program, you’re in shape already and it’s dangerous.” Most coaches, including Tom Coughlin, have cut back on the traditional daily regime of double practice sessions in full pads. “I don’t think it’s changed enough,” Shockey said. “I think it will change in the future.” Tiki Barber yesterday called the length of training camp “massive stalling” and Shockey said it’s impossible for coaches to have it both ways, with players competing at a high level yet asked to stay out of harm’s way.
“They always try to tell people to stay off the ground,” Shockey said, “but they always try to tell people ‘Up the pace, up the pace.’ When you up the pace, someone’s going to get hurt, that’s just the nature of the sport.”
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Guard Chris Snee sounded optimistic about a fairly quick recovery after he injured his right knee last Sunday night. He has started rehab and, for now, no surgery is scheduled.
In his place, Rich Seubert moves in as the starting right guard, giving the Giants an experienced reserve.
“They’re confident with him in there, but I’m also looking to get him out of there as soon as possible,” Snee said.
Seubert, who last year came back from a grotesquely broken leg, will start vs. the Ravens.
“I don’t really care any more that I broke my leg, I’m just trying to go out there and play,” Seubert said.
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LB LaVar Arrington (knee), WR Sinorice Moss (quad) and LB Carlos Emmons (neck burner) remain out and almost definitely will not play in Baltimore. Moss won’t play; he’s been shut down until after the game.
“I’m not disappointed at all,” said Moss, a rookie from Miami who hasn’t practiced since July 30. “I’ll take it slowly and do what I have to do to get healthy, that’s all.”
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RB Mike Jemison, who was with the Giants in camp last year, was signed for depth in the backfield . . . Defensive coordinator Tim Lewis was not at the evening practice. He returned to New Jersey to be with his wife, Shawn, who was expected to give birth.