The schedule says it is Week 14 of the regular season. Odell Beckham Jr. views Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys differently.
“This is a playoff game for us in my mind,’’ Beckham said Wednesday after practice. “So are the rest of them. You have to win eight games. That’s how I look at it. You have to win eight games straight.’’
Winning eight straight games would make the Giants winners of Super Bowl LI, but that is getting way ahead of things. They are sagging on offense, coming off a dreadful showing in a 24-14 loss to the Steelers and realize a repeat performance against the first-place Cowboys will be ruinous.
“Definitely have to find ways to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers,’’ Beckham said. “Like we’ve been preaching, we just need to be more productive on offense.’’
LG Justin Pugh (knee) practiced on a limited basis and said he is looking forward to Thursday’s padded practice. He said he expects to make his return to face the Cowboys.
There was no sign of safety Nat Berhe (concussion) or KR Dwayne Harris (ankle) inside the field house. DT Johnathan Hankins (quadriceps) was limited to riding a stationary bike. “I’m a little sore, just been a long season, that’s normal,’’ Hankins said. “I’ll be out there Sunday.’’
LB Mark Herzlich (concussion) was limited with no contact.
RB Shane Vereen (triceps) is on injured reserve, but he worked in practice again. This could be the week he returns to the active roster and gets back on the field. Vereen has missed the past nine games.
“There’s a chance that we may have a package for Shane if he’s ready to go,’’ said McAdoo, adding the decision likely will come Saturday.
Eli Manning is the Giants’ nominee for the 2016 NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It is the seventh time and third consecutive year Manning has been nominated by the Giants.