Anyone who wants to see what Justin Tuck looks like as a stand-up linebacker may need to wait at least a few more days for the chance.
Tuck missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday because of tightness in his back, which wasn’t what the Giants were expecting or hoping would be the case. Coach Tom Coughlin said that Tuck’s inability to practice left his ability to play on Saturday against the Steelers up in the air.
“Today was not what we wanted,” Coughlin said, via the team’s website. “He’s not quite as nifty and nimble as we had hoped. We’ll have to see. I actually thought he would work today.”
Coughlin said that the jury was still out on wide receiver Hakeem Nicks’ status for the preseason opener. Nicks has been dealing with a groin injury since last week and both players’ recent injury histories suggest that caution is the best course of action if the Giants want to avoid the injuries lingering into the regular season.
Guard Chris Snee and cornerback Terrell Thomas won’t play in the game after being activated from the PUP list this week and first-round offensive lineman Justin Pugh will also be held out with a concussion.