LB talks anthem options

The message is not getting across.

That is the concern of the NFL Pl aye rs Associ at i on and the reason why players, a group of NFL owners and commissioner Roger Goodell met Tuesday. They were looking to forge a strategy on how to best move ahead with social activism after players kneeling and otherwise protesting during the national anthem became a divisive issue.

“It’s about portraying the message clearly and getting the point across that the players would like to get the point across where it’s not about anti-America, anti-flag,’’ linebacker Mark Herzlich said Wednesday. “It’s a more poignant message of unity and anti-racism. It’s how can we get that message across clearly as players and as owners.

“Having the message be viewed as disrespectful to the country has been something that has occurred and not intended. So, we need to make sure that that intent is displayed properly from our point of view as players and the owners are helping with that.”

The winless Giants took the f ield Wednesday fo r practice, and their two starting defensive ends were not able to participate. Olivier

Vernon (ankle) worked on the side. Jason Pierre-Paul was nowhere to be seen, dealing with knee and shoulder issues coming out of the 25-23 loss at Tampa Bay. PierrePaul played all 64 defensive snaps against the Buccaneers.

Approached at his locker, Pierre-Paul quickly got to his feet and said, “I’m not talking today” as he walked away. Asked when he would talk, JPP said, “Sunday.’’ WR Odell Beckham Jr. (finger/ankle), RB Orleans Darkwa ( back), WR Brandon Marshall (toe) and RB Paul Perkins (ribs) were limited in practice. CB Janoris Jenkins (ankle) did not practice. … LB Deontae Skinner was waived and OL Anthony Fabiano was signed to the practice squad. Fabiano played in four games for the Browns in 2016.