Eli admires toughness in WR Powe
IT FEELS like less of a tragedy that Eli Manning got benched for one week when a rookie like Darius Powe breaks his foot in his NFL debut in Sunday’s loss to Dallas. But Manning noted Powe’s toughness in playing the entire game despite fracturing his right foot on his first career NFL catch, an 8-yard reception from Manning just prior to halftime.
“Obviously the guy’s first game and I appreciate his toughness,” Manning said Monday. “I guess it happened right before halftime and then he stuck it out the whole game.”
Powe, 23, will have surgery and was placed on injured reserve. He is the fourth Giants receiver to suffer a season-ending injury in a game this season, joining Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris, who all went down in a Week 5 home loss to the Chargers. Powe is the sixth Giants receiver to go on injured reserve, a list that includes Keeon Johnson and Kevin Norwood.
FOLES’ GOLD
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played for the Eagles in 2011-2012 and was teammates with Nick Foles in Philly when Foles started six games as a rookie backing up Michael Vick. Foles now will start at MetLife Stadium on Sunday after Eagles MVP candidate Carson Wentz tore the ACL in his left knee in Sunday’s victory over the Rams in L.A.
Wentz’ season-ending injury is a major blow to the Eagles’ Super Bowl hopes, but DRC said a Foles-led Eagles offense remains a brutal test for the Giants defense, given his arm and the run game behind him.
“He can get that ball down the field,” DRC said. “He’s got a big arm, he can make all the throws and he’s still got that running game behind him so it’s gonna be tough.” ... Spagnuolo said offensive lineman Justin Pugh is getting a “second opinion” on his injured back either today or Wednesday to determine if he will be shut down for the year or require surgery . ... The Denver Broncos on Monday signed tight end Matt LaCosse off the Giants’ practice squad. LaCosse played in three games this season against the Broncos, Seahawks and Rams. He did not have a reception but was excellent in training camp and in the preseason. … Giants waived defensive tackle Khyri Thornto and terminated the practice squad contract of linebacker Trevor Bates.