The Giants no longer have the thin possibility of the playoffs, so the possibility exists that all decisions they make the next three weeks are geared toward the future.
As it pertains to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, that could still include shutting him down for the season, even though he wants to practice this week after a shoulder injury.
“That decision has not come down,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, via Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star Ledger. “As a matter of fact, JPP was feeling better and as of last weekend felt that this week he would be perhaps in a position where he might be able to practice and prepare himself to play.
“That’s where the weekend was left. I don’t know anything different just now.”
Pierre-Paul has missed the last two games because of the shoulder injury, after coming back from offseason back surgery. So giving him rest, and reps to rookie Damontre Moore might help both.
But Pierre-Paul has said he wants to play this year, while admitting he won’t be 100 percent until next season. Toward that end, a three-week head start might help.