Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returned to practice Friday. And even though the Giants’ top cornerback isn’t assured of playing Sunday at Dallas — he’s officially listed as questionable on the injury report — just being back on the practice field is a huge step in the right direction.
“He practiced. He got out there, and did some things, moved around, said he felt pretty good,’’ said coach Tom Coughlin, who wouldn’t be pinned down on whether Rodgers-Cromartie would be able to play in Sunday’s huge NFC East showdown.
“We’ll will see. We’ll see what it looks like, what the morning brings.’’
Rodgers-Cromartie has dealt with a plethora of injuries, the latest being back and hamstring woes. He was forced out of Sunday’s 27-0 loss to Philadelphia after playing just 32 snaps, and didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. Rodgers-Cromartie had said he didn’t think he would be able to play in Dallas unless he practiced Friday, so the news bodes well for the Giants.
Big Blue will have to wait to see how Rodgers-Cromartie fares Saturday after flying to Dallas, and then make their plans from there. If Rodgers-Cromartie can’t go, the next man up is journeyman cornerback Zack Bowman, but the Giants didn’t summarily dismiss the notion of using Rodgers-Cromartie for limited snaps.
“We’re willing to adjust to whatever we need to adjust to, provided he can go,’’ Coughlin said. Asked if there were any concerns over Rodgers-Cromartie traveling (swelling, etc.), Coughlin said, “Other than being confined like we all are, I don’t think there is any other issue.’’
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LB Spencer Paysinger (hamstring) is the only other Giant listed as questionable. LB Jon Beason (toe) and punter Steve Weatherford (ankle) are probable, while RB Rashad Jennings (knee) is out.
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For Dallas, LB Bruce Carter (thigh) and RT Doug Free (foot) are both out. While WR Dez Bryant, RB DeMarco Murray, QB Tony Romo and LT Tyron Smith are listed as probable, all four offensive stars are expected to play.
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For the first time since WR Victor Cruz’s season-ending injury, the Giants receivers had their regular Friday meeting with Eli Manning. The newly signed former Cowboy Kevin Ogletree said the quarterback has made his transition smooth, as has staying around to be the last man out of the building every night.
“This transition has been made a lot easier by how good Eli is at getting things across to the guys [that] he’s going to be looking for in the game. It was refreshing,’’ Ogletree said. “It was definitely informative. When a guy like Eli wants to talk, you’d better have your pen ready and be all ears.’’