The Giants lost their top receiver during their bye week. The Seahawks got their best two back.
Deion Branch was expected to miss nine months after having reconstructive knee surgery, but makes his return Sunday against the Giants after six months of rehab. Bobby Engram broke his right shoulder during the preseason and also returns this week.
With no game film this season to review, Coughlin will have to refer to the past.
“Well, we have past years,” Coughlins said. “We have many years of information about those two outstanding players that are reported to be back.
“It is as good as you are going to do. You do what you have to do. You have to be able to kind of piece the puzzle together and that is the best way to do it right now.”
The Giants suspended Plaxico Burress for two weeks and one game for missing team meetings last Monday.
Branch has an unique plan for preparing his knee for his first game contact.
“I’m actually going to take that in practice,” Branch said. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’m going to have the guys do it.”
Branch has been practicing since Week 2, but said he was not mentally ready to play.
“Two weeks ago, could I have played? I don’t know,” Branch said. “Could I have been effective? I don’t know that, either. I just know for a fact that I knew I wasn’t ready.
“My leg was healed a long time ago,” Branch said. “It’s the mental part I had to break through.”
With Seattle Times