Giants notebook: Bradshaw doubles practice schedule; ready to go
|
|
| Ahmad Bradshaw sits out practice Friday after training Thursday and Wednesday. (Getty Images) |
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw sat out of practice on Friday to rest his chronically injured foot. In a normal workweek, Bradshaw practiced on Fridays exclusively, but since he's had two weeks to prepare for Sunday's Super Bowl, Bradshaw decided to practice on Wednesday and Thursday to give himself two days of rest before the game.
Coach Tom Coughlin admitted to pool reporter Peter King that Bradshaw was "a little sore," but added that he's "OK."
"He got in two good days of work prior to this," Coughlin said. "He's prepared."
Rookie safety Tyler Sash -- a regular on special teams -- reportedly had his left foot stepped on during practice and subsequently left the University of Indianapolis practice field to have it wrapped, later telling Giants vice president of communications Pat Hanlon that he's "OK."
| More on Super Bowl XLVI |
| Columns |
  |
| Related links |
|
| Video |
|
| NFL coverage on the go |
The Giants were joined on the practice field by Iraq War double-amputee U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, who has been connected with the team since giving a speech to the Giants in 2008, King reported. Defensive end Justin Tuck and several other players spent time speaking with Gadson.
Coughlin sets the temperature
After being told that Lucas Oil Stadium will have a game-time field temperature of 68 to 70 degrees for kickoff, Coughlin insisted that the temperature at the team's domed practice field be set to 70 degrees each day, King reported.
"We were able to get a good sweat going, working in conditions like they'll have Sunday," Coughlin told King. "Of course, we didn't have 60,000 people watching."
Without an actual crowd for ambient noise, Coughlin once again pumped simulated cheering over speakers during practice -- something he's done regularly since the Giants played their last home game during the Wildcard Round of the playoffs.
"So far this week, we've accomplished what we needed to accomplish," Coughlin told King. "The players have practiced hard and spirited. I think we'll be well-prepared for the game."
The countdown begins
The Giants players have a midnight curfew set for themselves at their downtown Indianapolis hotel. On Saturday night that curfew moves to 11 p.m., which was a decision the players made collectively.
During the day on Saturday the Giants will do a jog-through before breaking for the afternoon.
Coughlin will hold his customary 75 minutes of night meetings, King wrote, before an evening chapel service and a team snack.
Giants aren't hiding from fans
Some teams have chosen to find a more obscure hotel in the nights before the Super Bowl, but coach Tom Coughlin doesn't regret the Giants staying at a downtown Indianapolis hotel. In addition to being close to the practice facility, Coughlin feels it was a good decision because his team's floors have been "secure" and void of any distractions.
"I don't know why there's a lot of concern about us being where we are," Coughlin said. "We're isolated and the second floor is completely secured for our players and our personnel. Our floors are off limits to everybody and they're well secured. Our players have enjoyed great rest and no one has complained of a bad night's sleep, and if they have, it hasn't been because of noise and other issues.
"There is a great buildup to this game and there are more people in the street than I can ever remember, which reminds you of what an exciting time this is for this great city and people who are coming to the game," he continued. "I think it's just a part of it, I don't have any problems or fears with that."
Sash added to injury report; he and five others listed as 'probable'
As previously mentioned, Sash suffered a foot injury on Friday but is listed as probable. RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (hamstring) and WLB Jacquian Williams (foot) are also listed as probable for Sunday's game, which means Coughlin should have all 53 players at his disposal for the Super Bowl, minus seven inactives.
